Royal Gramma (Gramma Loreto)

Also Known As: Royal Gramma Basslet

Compatibility and Behavior The Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) is a true classic in the marine hobby, and there's a reason it's been a staple for decades. It's a great combination of versatility, personality, and beginner-friendliness. The front half of the body glows with a deep violet to royal purple that transitions sharply into a bright golden yellow back and tail that really comes alive under reef lighting. One of the most charming traits of this species is its tendency to hover and swim in different orientations, including upside down, under ledges and along cave ceilings. It gives the fish a very authentic "on the reef wall" look in the home aquarium that few other species replicate. Most of the day, you'll find it hovering near caves and overhangs, darting in and out of the rockwork while keeping a watchful eye on the rest of the tank. Royal Grammas are generally peaceful and reef safe, which makes them an excellent fit for community reef aquariums and smaller systems alike. They may defend a chosen cave or crevice, especially against similar-shaped fish or other basslets, but they usually coexist well with the common reef mix of clownfish, gobies, and wrasses. They rarely bother invertebrates and pair well with mixed reefs that include corals, ornamental shrimp, and other small reef-safe species. Given adequate hiding spots and compatible tankmates, they become bold, confident feeders and stay visible for most of the day.

Aquarium Requirements A well-established reef or FOWLR aquarium with plenty of live rock, caves, and shaded overhangs is the ideal home, since shelter is core to how this species behaves. A mature system with stable water quality and gentle to moderate flow suits them well. They prefer the shelter of rockwork over strong, open-water currents. Aquascaping with vertical structure and multiple hiding spots helps the fish feel secure and encourages that natural hovering behavior under ledges and along cave ceilings. A secure lid is recommended. While Royal Grammas aren't notorious jumpers, they can leap when spooked or chased. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine pellets or frozen foods to keep this fish well-conditioned, colorful, and consistently visible throughout the day.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Md: .5-1.25", Lg: 1.25-1.75"
Diet: Carnivore (frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood, quality marine pellets or frozen foods)
Origin: Western Atlantic/Caribbean
Care Level: Easy 
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; may defend a small territory, especially against similar-shaped fish
Minimum Tank Size: Around 20–30 gallons, with ample rockwork and caves
Special Considerations: Naturally hovers and swims under ledges and along cave ceilings, so vertical rockwork and overhangs are important for natural behavior; secure lid recommended