Overview
- Endemic to the Southwestern Atlantic, particularly along the coast of Brazil.
- Closely related to the Royal Gramma but distinguished by its unique coloration.
- Recognized for its deep purple anterior fading into a golden-yellow posterior.
- Typically found in rocky reefs and caves, where it prefers to hover near crevices.
- Highly territorial but generally peaceful in a well-structured aquarium.
Feeding
- Carnivorous diet, primarily feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small invertebrates.
- Readily accepts frozen and live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and copepods.
- Can be trained to eat high-quality marine pellets and flakes.
- Multiple small feedings per day help maintain energy levels and health.
- Occasionally supplements diet by picking at detritus and microfauna within live rock.
Habitat
- Prefers deep reef environments with plenty of caves and overhangs for shelter.
- Requires an aquarium setup with rockwork that allows it to establish a secure territory.
- Often found swimming upside down in its natural crevice dwellings.
- Best suited for reef tanks with stable water conditions and minimal aggression.
- Can adapt well to smaller tanks (30 gallons or more) as long as sufficient hiding spots are provided.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.
- Resistant to common marine diseases but requires high water quality.
- Can become shy or reclusive if housed with overly aggressive tank mates.
- Regular water changes and stable conditions help ensure longevity.
Compatibility
- Best suited for peaceful reef aquariums with non-aggressive species.
- Compatible with clownfish, gobies, and small wrasses.
- Should not be housed with large predatory fish that may see it as prey.
- Can be territorial toward similar basslets or grammas in smaller tanks.
- Generally reef-safe, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates.
Aquarium Behavior
- Spends much of its time hovering near rock formations and cave openings.
- Displays curiosity and confidence once acclimated to its environment.
- May engage in brief territorial disputes but rarely becomes overly aggressive.
- Often seen retreating into crevices when startled but quickly re-emerges.
- Thrives in an aquarium with multiple hiding spots to reduce stress.