The Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) is one of the most beautiful and beginner-friendly fish you can add to a reef aquarium. With its striking purple and yellow coloration, peaceful temperament, and hardy nature, it's no wonder this Caribbean native has become a staple in the hobby.
Royal Gramma Overview
| Scientific Name | Gramma loreto |
| Family | Grammatidae (Basslets) |
| Origin | Caribbean, Western Atlantic |
| Size | 3 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 5-6 years in captivity |
| Reef Safe | Yes - 100% reef safe |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive to conspecifics, peaceful otherwise |
Why Royal Grammas Are Perfect for Beginners
Royal Grammas check every box for new reef keepers:
- Hardy - Tolerant of minor water quality fluctuations
- Easy to feed - Accepts virtually all prepared foods
- Disease resistant - Less susceptible to ich and velvet than many species
- Completely reef safe - Won't nip corals or invertebrates
- Affordable - Usually $20-40 at most fish stores
- Captive bred available - Tank-raised specimens adapt even easier
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size
A single Royal Gramma can thrive in tanks as small as 30 gallons, though 40+ gallons is ideal. They're perfect for nano reef setups but also do well in larger systems.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Salinity: 1.023-1.026 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Track your water parameters with the ReefBay app to ensure your Royal Gramma stays healthy.
Aquascaping for Royal Grammas
Royal Grammas are cave dwellers by nature. They need:
- Multiple caves and overhangs
- Ledges to hide under
- Live rock with crevices
- Some open swimming space
In the wild, Royal Grammas often swim upside down along cave ceilings - don't be alarmed if you see this behavior!
Feeding Royal Grammas
One of the easiest fish to feed in the hobby. Royal Grammas are omnivores that eagerly accept:
- High-quality marine pellets
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Reef Roids and coral foods
- Flake food
- Frozen preparations (Rod's Food, LRS)
Feed 1-2 times daily. They'll also pick at copepods and amphipods between feedings.
Tank Mates
Compatible Species
Royal Grammas get along with most reef fish:
- Clownfish (all species)
- Gobies and blennies
- Firefish
- Cardinalfish
- Tangs (in larger tanks)
- Wrasses (most species)
- Anthias
Avoid
- Other Royal Grammas - They're highly territorial with their own species
- Dottybacks - Too similar in appearance; will fight
- Other basslets - Same family; territorial conflicts
- Large aggressive fish - Triggers, large angels, groupers
Behavior to Expect
New Royal Grammas often hide for the first few days. This is completely normal! Expect:
- Week 1: Hiding in rockwork, may not eat
- Week 2: Emerging more frequently, accepting food
- Week 3+: Establishing territory, swimming openly
Once established, your Royal Gramma will patrol its territory and may occasionally "charge" at fish that venture too close to its cave. This is normal territorial behavior.
Health and Common Issues
Royal Grammas are generally healthy fish, but watch for:
- Jumping - They can and will jump! Keep a lid on your tank
- Aggression injuries - From conflicts with similar species
- Ich - Less common but possible if stressed
Quarantine Recommendation
While Royal Grammas are hardy, we always recommend a 2-4 week quarantine period for new fish. This protects your display tank from parasites and disease.
Breeding
Royal Grammas are mouthbrooders. In home aquariums:
- Males are larger with slightly longer pelvic fins
- Pairs form in larger tanks with plenty of caves
- Male guards eggs in his mouth for about a week
- Fry are difficult to raise but possible with dedication
Buying Tips
When shopping for a Royal Gramma:
- Look for bright, vibrant colors
- Avoid fish with cloudy eyes or torn fins
- Ensure it's eating at the store
- Ask if it's captive-bred (preferred)
- Check for ich spots before purchasing
Browse Royal Grammas and other basslets from trusted sellers on the ReefBay marketplace.
Conclusion
The Royal Gramma is truly one of the best fish for any reef aquarium. Beautiful, hardy, reef safe, and full of personality - it's hard to find a better choice for beginners and experienced reefers alike. Just provide adequate caves, keep them as the only basslet in the tank, and you'll enjoy this stunning fish for years to come.
