Black Cap Basslet
$119.99
Gramma melacara
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Color Form | Black, Purple |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Water Conditions | sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
| Max Size | 4″ |
| Family | Grammidae |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
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Description
Overview
The black cap basslet (Gramma melacara) is a vibrant, cave-dwelling marine fish known for its striking purple body and a distinctive black “cap” running from its snout to its dorsal fin. It is a popular, hardy, and reef-safe addition to saltwater aquariums.
Description and Habitat
Native to the coral reefs of the tropical Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea and the Bahamas, the black cap basslet typically inhabits deep waters, often between 20 and 60 meters (66 to 197 feet).
- Size: This species can grow up to 4.3 inches (11 centimeters) in length.
- Appearance: Its body coloration ranges from magenta to a deep purple, contrasted by a jet-black, diagonal cap on its head and along the top edge of its dorsal fin. It often has several thin gold or yellow lines radiating backward from the eye.
- Behavior: In the wild, it prefers vertical surfaces and cliff faces with ample crevices and caves for shelter. A notable behavior is that it often swims upside down to orient itself to the nearest surface within a cave or overhang.
Aquarium Care
The black cap basslet is a generally hardy species, suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
|
Care Level
|
Temperament
|
Max. Size
|
Minimum Tank Size
|
Reef Safe
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy to Moderate | Semi-aggressive | 4 inches | 30 Gallons | Yes |
Tank Requirements:
- Aquascape: Provide plenty of live rock with a complex system of caves, ledges, and hiding spots to mimic its natural deep-water environment.
- Lighting: As a deep-water fish, it may prefer subdued lighting, though it can adapt to various conditions.
- Water Conditions: Stable water parameters are crucial, including a temperature range of 72–78°F (22–26°C), pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.
Diet and Feeding:
It is a carnivore, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In an aquarium, it should be offered a varied, meaty diet including mysis shrimp, fortified brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It will generally accept most high-quality frozen and pellet foods once acclimated.
It is a carnivore, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In an aquarium, it should be offered a varied, meaty diet including mysis shrimp, fortified brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It will generally accept most high-quality frozen and pellet foods once acclimated.
Compatibility:
It is typically peaceful toward most other fish and ornamental invertebrates, making it an excellent reef tank citizen. However, it establishes and defends a territory around its chosen cave. It may show aggression towards other basslets or fish of a similar shape and size, so it’s generally best to keep only one per tank unless the aquarium is very large (100+ gallons) and all individuals are added simultaneously.
It is typically peaceful toward most other fish and ornamental invertebrates, making it an excellent reef tank citizen. However, it establishes and defends a territory around its chosen cave. It may show aggression towards other basslets or fish of a similar shape and size, so it’s generally best to keep only one per tank unless the aquarium is very large (100+ gallons) and all individuals are added simultaneously.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1” to 3″
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