Scientific Name: Gramma melacara
Alt Scientific Name:
Common Name: Black Cap Basslet
Alt Common Name:
Group: Grammas and Basslets (Grammas/Basslets)
Family: Grammatidae
Distribution: West Atlantic
Adult Size: 4 inches (10.2cm)
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Generally peaceful - These fish are excellent community tank fish, tending to stay to themselves
Care Difficulty: 2/10
Very Easy |
Moderate |
Very Difficult |
Reef Safety Score : 3/3
Not Safe |
High Risk |
Low Risk |
Reef Safe |
Temperature Range: 72°F - 81°F
74 |
76 |
78 |
80 |
82 |
84 |
pH Range: 8 - 8.4
7.8 |
8.0 |
8.2 |
8.4 |
8.6 |
8.8 |
Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.02 - 1.026
1.016 |
1.020 |
1.024 |
1.028 |
1.032 |
1.036 |
Diet Information: Will readily accept brine shrimp and meaty fares, but will also accept flake and dried foods.
Additional Information : Hoods should be placed on tanks, as these fish are known jumpers. Basslets make great additions for reef tanks, staying small, not bothering invertebrates, and keeping deviant live rock critters, like benthic crustaceans and worms in population check. Basslets require nooks and overhangs for hiding. Liverock decor should be abundant.
Tank Mate Compatibility : Care should be noted if placing more than one of the same species, or any fish in the Pseudchromis and Basslet family (includes Dottyback and Gramma) aggression has been noted. If two are desired, known mated pairs are best otherwise a 6ft system is suggested. Also due to the small size of this species, predatory or larger carnivorous fish will likely consider the black cap basslet a prey item.
Breeding Information:
Determining Sex:
Primary Area in Tank: Middle
