Brazilian Royal Gramma

Gramma brasiliensis

The Brazilian Gramma Basslet is a close relative of the Royal Gramma Basslet, but much more rare in the aquarium industry. They’re very similar to G. loreto, but the yellow to purple transition on the body of G. brasiliensis is less sharp and wider than in G. loreto. It also has a slightly different head shape with a wider mouth than G. loreto. Since G. brasiliensis is no longer offered as wild caught to the aquarium trade, only captive bred specimens are available.

Gramma basslets are undisputedly some of the most perfect reef tank citizens. These fish are extremely popular because they’re not only gorgeous with their bright complementary colors, but they’re hardy, robust, and easy even for beginners to keep and feed. Unlike many other small fish, they’re not as timid after the acclimation period and tend to spend time in the water column entertaining their humans. They are peaceful toward even the most timid fish like seahorses. They’re completely reef safe with all inverts and corals (except maybe hitchhiking amphipods that grow in most tanks).

This species does well in nano tanks, but they’re gregarious enough for large tanks. The ideal tank size is 30+ gallons. They can be kept singly or in small groups if added at the same time.