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Suggested Tank
30+ gallons
Max Size
3 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
The Royal Gramma, also known as the Fairy Basslet, is a vibrant, brightly colored saltwater fish. It has a unique coloration, with the front half of the body being a deep purple or violet, and the back half a bright yellow or gold. This fish is small, peaceful, and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
Reef Safe?
Yes, Royal Grammas are considered reef safe and are unlikely to cause damage to coral or other invertebrates in a reef aquarium.
Environment
Royal Grammas are native to the Caribbean and are used to warm waters. They prefer plenty of hiding spots in the tank, especially caves and crevices. They can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, but may prefer areas of the tank that are not too brightly lit.
Behavior
Royal Grammas are usually peaceful fish that can get along well in a community tank. However, they are territorial and may show aggression towards other Grammas or similar species. They are known to be cave dwellers and will often claim a cave or crevice, which they will defend.
Owner Reviews
Gabe
@Gabe169
I love this fish, one of my favorites. He hides pretty often if you move too fast by the tank. He’s not aggressive unless other fish go near the cave he’s claimed. This fish has a good little personality and adds a ton of color to the tank. I’d definitely buy again given the chance.
Dalton
@Dalton
10/10 Fish!! Great color and compatible with most other fish.
dffssdf
@SassyTurtle12
My first saltwater fish and the reason I got into the hobby. Beautiful coloration and fairly peaceful. Will sometimes shake his head or yawn at fish who get too close to “his” cave but has never gone after anything, even fish he probably could eat if he had the attitude. Lives in and around the rockwork, comes out for feeding time. Usually sticks his head out of whatever cave he is hiding in. Has funny habit of orienting himself to the back wall of the tank, so I often find him “sideways”. Can jump if startled. Pros: very colorful, easy to keep Cons: hides a lot, some individuals can be territorial Availability: easy to find
Brittney
@MalEficent
Territorial with hiding spots. Wants all of them. Is all bark no bite runs around “yelling” at other inhabitants trying to scare them off. Made a firefish mad once trying to steal the firefish’s hole so got the crap beat out of him. Fins recovered nicely and hasn’t been a bully since. Hides often. Easy to care for.
Jeremiah
@Jeremiah80484
I have one and it’s really aggressive to all my smaller fish. He is always hiding and it’s hard to feed him. Really nice colors but would never get again. If I would get one I would get a smaller tank for it.
Koco
@Koco217
Always peaceful and has some of the coolest colors in the tank.
Jasia
@Jasia17750
Been a model citizen fish. Noticed it was a little aggressive towards new additions but nothing crazy and everyone gets along now. Good beginner fish and adds a nice pop of color.
Cooper O’Dell
@Cjodell8
Have had a great experience with royal grammas and haven’t had any problems with them
Paulo Choi
@Paulo
Some people have issues with royal grammas being aggressive but mine is always hanging out with my clownfish. The royal gramma is always visible during the day but hides at night.
Nancy
@NancyLouMac
I have to have one of these in every new build. Just a stunning fish.
Qwarex
@Qwarex
Cool fish, unique coloration, I have 2 of them in separate tanks, one is skittish and hides a lot and one is always out and sometimes aggressive
