Royal Gramma

Also known as the Fairy Basslet or Royal Basslet

The Royal Gramma is a stunning and popular species that brings brilliant bicolor beauty and charming personality to marine aquariums. Native to the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the Bahamas throughout the Caribbean, this small basslet features a striking combination of vibrant purple and yellow coloration that makes it one of the most recognizable reef fish. With their peaceful temperament, hardy nature, and manageable size, Royal Grammas make excellent additions for beginner to intermediate aquarists seeking a colorful, reef-safe centerpiece for smaller systems.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Gramma loreto
• Common Names: Royal Gramma, Fairy Basslet, Royal Basslet
• Adult Size: 3–3.5 inches (7–9 cm); commonly 2.5–3 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful with most species; territorial toward conspecifics in small tanks
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe – ideal for reef aquariums
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (30+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate – hardy and easy to care for

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, reef overhangs, and cave systems at depths of 10–200 feet. Typically inhabits shaded areas and caves where they often swim upside-down along cave ceilings.

Tank Environment:

• Multiple caves and overhangs essential
• Plenty of hiding spots and crevices
• Rockwork with horizontal surfaces for upside-down swimming
• Peaceful environment preferred
• Subdued to moderate lighting
• Compatible with reef or FOWLR setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods (primary diet)
• Finely chopped seafood, krill
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes
• Live blackworms (occasional treat)
• Vitamin-enriched frozen preparations

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Small, frequent meals preferred
• Readily accepts most prepared foods
• May hunt microfauna naturally

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, dartfish, firefish, wrasses (peaceful), anthias, cardinalfish, tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, most peaceful community fish
• Caution with: Other Royal Grammas in tanks under 55 gallons, dottybacks, aggressive species
• Avoid: Large predatory fish, highly aggressive species, multiple Royal Grammas in small spaces

Social Behavior:

• Best kept singly unless tank is 75+ gallons
• May form pairs in larger aquariums
• Territorial toward conspecifics and similar-shaped fish
• Peaceful toward dissimilar tankmates
• Famous for swimming upside-down in caves
• Shy initially but becomes bolder once established
• Often claims a favorite cave as territory

Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe with all corals, anemones, and sessile invertebrates. Safe with all ornamental shrimp and other invertebrates. Will not harm any fish except in territorial disputes with conspecifics.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant royal purple to magenta on front half of body transitioning sharply to bright golden yellow on rear half; black spot on front of dorsal fin; vivid blue line through eye; one of the most striking bicolor patterns in marine fish.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains vibrant purple and yellow
• Stress may cause temporary fading
• Colors become more intense with maturity
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal coloration
• Purple section may show slight color variation between individuals

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 1.5–2.5 inches
• Slow to moderate growth rate
• Reaches full size within 12–18 months
• Remains small throughout life

Why Choose a Quarantined Royal Gramma?

A properly quarantined Royal Gramma is a healthier, less stressed specimen that has been observed, treated, and conditioned for aquarium life. Our quarantine protocol includes 3–4 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to varied foods, behavioral assessment, and proper acclimation to captive environments.

These spectacular basslets combine absolutely stunning bicolor beauty with peaceful temperament and exceptional hardiness, making them perfect for nano reefs, beginner aquariums, and peaceful community tanks. Their unique upside-down swimming behavior, brilliant purple-and-yellow coloration, and small size make them one of the most beloved and iconic marine aquarium fish, ideal as a vibrant focal point that’s both beautiful and easy to care for.