Description

The Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) is a small, brilliantly colored reef fish known for its vibrant purple and yellow body, peaceful temperament, and ease of care—making it one of the most popular fish for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

🐠 Royal Gramma Description:

• Scientific Name: Gramma loreto

• Common Names: Royal Gramma, Fairy Basslet

• Origin: Caribbean Sea, Western Atlantic (notably around reef walls and crevices)

• Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)

• Coloration: Front half is bright violet to purple, fading into a vibrant yellow on the tail half; may have a small black line through the eye

• Temperament: Peaceful, mildly territorial near their cave

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care

🧪 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH Level: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH

• Aquascape: Plenty of live rock caves and overhangs for hiding and establishing territory

🍤 Diet:

• Carnivorous: Eats a variety of protein-based foods:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp

  • Finely chopped seafood

  • High-quality marine pellets and flakes

• Will pick at plankton and tiny inverts in the water column

Feed once or twice daily.

🤝 Compatibility:

• Reef Safe: Yes – completely safe with corals and invertebrates

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful community fish

  • Can be territorial toward similar-shaped or colored fish (e.g. dottybacks)

  • Best kept singly unless in a large tank (over 55 gallons) with hiding space

💡 Care Tips:

• Thrives in low to moderate light areas of the tank

• Likes to hang upside down or sideways in caves—natural behavior

• May be shy at first but becomes bold once acclimated

• Not a jumper, but a lid is still recommended

• Hardy and disease-resistant when kept in stable water conditions

📝 Summary: