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Royal Gramma

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Gramma loreto

Complete Royal Gramma care guide covering carnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible saltwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Royal Gramma

Quick Answer

Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) is a colorful, hardy basslet from the Caribbean. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 8.1 - 8.4 and temperature range of 24-26°C. As a carnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) is a colorful, hardy basslet from the Caribbean. Its unique two-tone coloration makes it a standout in any reef tank.

Setup

A 20-gallon or larger reef tank with live rock caves and overhangs. They need hiding spots and will stake out a territory. Moderate water flow.

Feeding

Carnivorous; eats mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and small pellets. Feed twice daily.

Compatibility

Semi-aggressive to conspecifics. Keep one per tank. Peaceful with other species. Good tankmates: clownfish, gobies, blennies, angelfish.

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Tank Position
Bottom/Middle
Water Temp
24-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
8.1 - 8.4

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Carnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

Banggai Cardinalfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity Blue Green Chromis Care Guide: Reef Tank & Diet semanticSimilarity Coral Banded Shrimp Care Guide: Water Params & Breeding semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Royal Grammas should be kept together?
Keep only one per tank, even in systems over 100 gallons (378 liters). Royal grammas (Gramma loreto) display vibrant purple and yellow split colors but are highly territorial over cave hollows against other grammas. Two individuals in any size tank fight to severe injury. A single adult requires a minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 24x12 inches (60x30 cm) and ample live rock (1.5 lbs/gallon) with multiple crevices. Provide at least 5 hiding spots. Avoid with other basslets or dottybacks.
What are the exact marine water parameters for Royal Grammas?
Target pH 8.1 - 8.4, specific gravity 1.023 - 1.025 (35-35.5 ppt), General Hardness 7 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 32,000 - 35,000 ppm, and temperature 72°F - 78°F (22°C - 26°C). They require stable marine parameters and enjoy swimming upside down inside rocky cave ceilings. Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a protein skimmer and live rock. Provide overhangs and caves. Stable salinity is critical; fluctuations >0.002 cause stress.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Royal Grammas?
They are carnivores that feed on plankton, requiring 55% protein, 15% fat, 30% algae. Feed frozen mysis shrimp, fortified brine shrimp, chopped krill pieces, and marine flakes twice daily. Supplement with cyclops and small pellets. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L Cupramine) but sensitive to hyposalinity below 1.018. Praziquantel is safe. Quarantine with chloroquine phosphate (15 mg/L) for 14 days. Avoid formalin.
How to breed Royal Grammas in captivity?
Breeding is rare but possible with a bonded pair in a 40+ gallon reef tank. Condition with frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp for 4 weeks. They are substrate spawners; the pair selects a cave ceiling. Spawning occurs inside the cave; female lays 100-300 adhesive eggs. Male guards and fans eggs for 5-7 days at 75°F (24°C). Eggs hatch; larvae are pelagic and require rotifers and phytoplankton for 30-40 days. Metamorphosis occurs at 0.5 inches (1.2 cm). Larval rearing is challenging; not recommended for beginners.

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