Royal gramma (Gramma loreto) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Fairy basslet
Family
Grammatidae (basslets)
Origin
Tropical western Atlantic: Bahamas, Bermuda, the Antilles, Central America and northern South America; reefs, 1–20 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
5 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
115 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank and decor: rockwork with caves and ledges. Keep singly or in pairs; the article suggests a tank of at least 115 litres (30 US gallons). It can become aggressive in very small nano tanks. Water: the article gives 22–26 °C (72–78 °F), pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.020–1.025; a reef tank is usually kept at 1.023–1.026. Behaviour: fairly peaceful but guards its rocks and crevices and may chase off small fish, gaping its mouth as a threat. It often swims upside down under ledges. Identification: purple front half changing abruptly to yellow, with a black line through the eye and a black spot on the dorsal fin. The list gives 5 cm; the article gives about 8 cm. Trade: tank-bred fish are available and it is a good beginner fish. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammaloreto). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mainly zooplankton and small crustaceans. In the aquarium it takes frozen and meaty foods as well as flakes and pellets. It sometimes cleans parasites off other fish.

Breeding

The male builds a nest of algae pieces among the rocks. The female lays 20–100 eggs, which hatch in five to seven days. Larvae are raised on rotifers, then newly hatched brine shrimp. It has been bred in captivity.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Peaceful with most fish, but it may chase other cave-dwellers and other basslets, especially in small tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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