Black Cap Gramma Care Guide
Gramma melacara is a deep-reef western Atlantic basslet with a purple body and black cap, known for swimming inverted beneath overhangs.
Overview
Gramma melacara is a small basslet of the family Grammatidae. Its body is magenta to purple and crossed by a jet-black diagonal cap running from the lip to the front of the dorsal fin. It reaches about 10 cm and is well known for its habit of swimming upside-down close to vertical surfaces.
Taxonomy
- Family: Grammatidae
- Genus: Gramma
- Scientific name: Gramma melacara
- Common synonyms: Blackcap Basslet
Habitat
The species occurs on reefs of the tropical western Atlantic, in the West Indies including the Bahamas and Central America. It favours near-vertical cliffs and drop-offs beyond outer reefs, recorded from about 10 to 180 m but most common between 20 and 60 m. It retreats into recesses when alarmed and gradually replaces the shallower royal gramma at greater depths.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 23-26 °C (73-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
- Aquascape: rockwork with caves and overhangs
Diet
Gramma melacara is carnivorous, with a trophic level of about 3.5. It takes mysid shrimp, fish and crustacean flesh, and frozen preparations for marine carnivores, and will pick small invertebrates such as copepods and amphipods. Feeding twice daily is typical.
Compatibility
The fish is generally peaceful and reef-safe but territorial toward conspecifics and similar-looking species. It should not be combined with other grammas or dottybacks. Suitable tankmates include clownfish, firefish gobies, blue chromis and small wrasses.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011). FishBase rates its vulnerability to fishing as low.