Feenbarsch-Pflege-Guide

The royal gramma is a stunning bi-colored basslet that transitions from vivid purple at the head to bright yellow at the tail. Native to Caribbean reefs, it is one of the best beginner-friendly reef fish. Known for its cave-dwelling habit, the royal gramma often swims upside down along the ceiling of overhangs.

Steckbrief


Scientific name	Gramma loreto
Max size	3 in (8 cm)
Min tank size	30 gal (115 L)
Temperament	Peaceful
Diet	Carnivore
Reef safe	Yes
Care level	Easy
Origin	Caribbean

Überblick

The following sections detail exactly how to keep this species thriving in a saltwater reef environment.

Beckenanforderungen

Provide plenty of live rock with caves and overhangs for hiding. A single specimen does well in a 30-gallon tank. They prefer moderate flow and tend to stay near their chosen cave. Avoid keeping with aggressive or look-alike species such as the royal dottyback, which has a reversed color pattern.

Wasserparameter

Maintain standard reef aquarium parameters for long-term health:

Temperature: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 sg
Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 20 ppm (lower is better for a reef)

Stability is more important than hitting a specific number. Avoid sudden swings in any parameter.

Ernährung und Fütterung

Feed a varied carnivorous diet of frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets. They will also eat copepods and amphipods from live rock. Feed twice daily in amounts consumed within a minute.

Verhalten und Verträglichkeit

Extremely peaceful toward most tankmates. May be territorial toward its own kind or similar-looking species (especially the bicolor dottyback). Keep only one per tank unless the tank is very large with separate territories. Excellent community fish with clownfish, gobies, and wrasses.

Zucht

Males build nests in caves using macroalgae and rubble. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until hatching, which takes about a week. Larval rearing is challenging and rarely attempted by hobbyists.

Tipps für den Erfolg

Provide at least 2–3 cave openings so the fish can retreat and feel secure.
Acclimate slowly—royal grammas are sensitive to sudden parameter shifts during introduction.
Avoid housing with the bicolor dottyback (Pseudochromis paccagnellae), which looks similar and will fight.
Feed once near the cave entrance so the gramma does not have to compete in open water.
This is one of the best fish for nano reef tanks when kept singly.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Why does my royal gramma swim upside down?

This is completely normal behavior. In the wild, royal grammas inhabit caves and overhangs, and they orient their bellies toward the nearest surface. Swimming upside down under ledges is their natural resting position.

Can I keep two royal grammas?

Generally no, unless your tank is very large (100+ gallons) with separate cave systems. Two grammas in a small tank will fight, and the subordinate fish will be stressed to death.

Is the royal gramma reef safe?

Absolutely. Royal grammas do not bother corals, clams, or invertebrates. They are considered one of the most reef-safe fish available.