Royal Gramma 101: Care, Size, Diet & All | Updated 2024 |

The Royal Gramma (Gramma Loreto) is a species of fish in the family of Grammatidae. It is native to reefs in the western Atlantic Ocean from Florida and the Bahamas to Honduras and has also been introduced to Hawaii. It is common in the aquarium trade.

These fish are bright and beautiful. They bring a dash of color to your saltwater tank. They are small in size and no do not require a huge tank. You will be in complete awe if you decide to get them to your home aquarium.

They are relatively easy to care for, and we will see each aspect of their requirements and day-to-day needs.

In this article, we will see everything there is to know about the Royal Gramma fish. We will discuss their appearance, their diet, their behavior, how they breed, etc. So please keep reading!

Royal Gramma: Species Specifications

Scientific name:	Gramma loreto
Common Name:	Royal Gramma, Fairy Basslet
Family:	Grammatidae
Size:	3-4 inches long
Color Form:	Reefs in the Western Atlantic Ocean
Temperament:	Peaceful
Tank size:	30-Gallons
Compatibility:	Excellent
pH range:	8.1 to 8.4
Water hardness:	8 to 12 dKH
Temperature Range:	72°F to 80° Fahrenheit
Water Type:	Freshwater
Nature:	Semi-Aquatic
Lifespan:	5 to 6 Years
Care Level:	Easy
Origin:	South American Coast, Reefs in the Western Atlantic Ocean
Food:	Omnivorous

The Royal Gramma fish is soo different that it is hard to find any fish similar to its kind, especially in a saltwater tank. They are exceptionally unique; anyone who sees them will be tempted to get them home as soon as possible.

The Royal Grammas are very popular in the fish trade, and you can easily find them in good and reputed pet stores. Before getting a Royal Gramma, you should know how to pick a healthy one.

A healthy Royal Gramma will intensify its colors and swim around the aquarium confidently. The Royal Gramma fish has a very distinct coloration. An unhealthy fish will have faded colors and will be hiding most of the time. So, when you are at the store, check for these things.

Royal Gramma: Appearance And Characteristics

The Royal Gramma is a small, colorful fish popular in aquariums. They are bright purple with a yellow stripe running down their back. These fish will stand out the most among every fish that you have in your tank because of their bright colors. Their vibrant color makes these fish so popular in the aquarium trade.

The front half of this fish is bright purple, and the back half is bright yellow, making them look beautiful. The color of their fins is also very contrasting, which makes them look even more beautiful.

They have small bodies with long and flowing tails. Their fins are also very long, which makes them look elegant. They have large eyes, which help them see in the reefs' dark waters. Their mouth protrudes, and they have sharp teeth that they use to eat their food.

The scales on their body are massive, and they have a thick slime coating that protects them from parasites and diseases. They don't have a lot going on when it comes to patterns and other features. It is mainly about the color of this fish.

Royal Gramma: Origin And Distribution Around the World

The Royal Gramma is native to reefs from Florida and the Bahamas to Honduras in the western Atlantic Ocean. They are also found in Hawaii, but humans have introduced them there. These fish are common in the aquarium trade, and they are easy to find all around the world.

Royal Gramma: Adult Size And Life Expectancy

The adult size of a Royal Gramma is 3 to 4 inches long. They have a lifespan of up to 10 years with proper care. However, the average life span is only around 5 to 6 years.

Royal Gramma: Diet In The Wild And Captivity

The Royal Gramma is an omnivorous fish that feeds on various small invertebrates in the wild. They will also consume algae and other plants. In captivity, they can be fed various frozen and live foods. They should also be given high-quality flake or pellet food as well.

Royal Gramma: Food And Diet

In the wild, Royal Grammas will graze on food throughout the day. They should be fed 2-3 times daily in captivity to mimic their natural diet.

They are opportunistic feeders in the wild, but in captivity, they must not be overfed.

Different Feeding Methods

A few different methods can be used to feed Royal Grammas. They can be fed live, frozen, or flake/pellet food. It is essential to offer them various foods to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. You can feed them by hand or use a fish feeder.

Feeding them with the hand is an excellent way to build trust and bond with your fish. But getting them to eat from your hand can be challenging if they are not used to it.

Another option is using a fish feeder, an automatic or manual feeder. This is an excellent way to ensure they get fed regularly without having to do it yourself.

Royal Gramma: Behavior And Temperament

The Royal Gramma is a peaceful fish typically found in small groups in the wild. They will form harems with one male and several females.

In captivity, they can be kept in pairs or small groups. They are not known to be aggressive toward other fish, but they may fight with each other.

Royal Gramma: Breeding, Sexing, Reproduction

The Royal Gramma is sexually dimorphic, meaning the male and female fish look different.

The male fish is typically larger than the female and has a blue dorsal fin. Another way of differentiating between males from females is by looking at their anal fins. The male fish will have a longer, more pointed anal fin than the female.

The Royal Gramma is an egg-laying species. The breeding usually happens during the warmer months of the year. The female will lay her eggs on rocks or the substrate.

After she lays her eggs, the male will fertilize them. Once the eggs are fertilized, the female leaves the area, and the male guards the eggs.

They lay around 5 to 40 eggs in the nest. The eggs will hatch in about 5 to 7 days. Once the fry is free-swimming, baby brine shrimp or crushed flake food can be fed.

Royal Gramma: Care

The Royal Gramma is a small but hardy fish. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium. They are very active fish, and they love to swim around.

They are also very social fish and will do well in a community tank. Royal Grammas are not picky eaters and will eat most kinds of food. They are peaceful fish and will not bother other fish in the tank. The Royal Gramma is an excellent fish for beginner aquarium hobbyists.

Royal Gramma: Tank Size And Shape

The Royal Gramma is a small fish but needs much swimming space. They should be kept in a tank of at least 30 gallons for one fish. They are active swimmers and need plenty of room to move around.

The shape of the tank is not as important as the size. If you plan to keep two fish, the tank must be at least 60 gallons. You must add 20 gallons for every new fish you bring into your tank if you plan to keep multiple fish at once.

Royal Gramma: Water Parameters

The Royal Gramma is a tropical fish that needs warm water to survive. The water temperature should be 72°F to 80°F for them to be comfortable. The pH levels should be 8.1 to 8.4, and the carbonate hardness should be 8° to 12° dKH. The specific gravity of the water should be 1.020 to 1.025.

Royal Gramma: Water Changes

It is essential to do regular water changes with the Royal Gramma. They are tropical fish, and they need clean water to survive. The water should be changed at least once a week, and more often if possible.

Cleaning The Tank

The Royal Gramma is a small fish, but they produce a lot of waste. The tank should be cleaned regularly to keep the water quality high. It would be best if you cleaned the tank with the help of a mild detergent, and all the decorations must also be cleaned. No detergent residue should be left in the water before adding clean water and your fish to the tank.

Water Conditioners

It is essential to use water conditioners when keeping Royal Grammas. This will help remove harmful chemicals from the water and make it safe for them to live in. Water conditioners can be found at your local pet store or online.

Lighting And Heating Requirements

The Royal Gramma is a tropical fish that needs warm water to survive. The water temperature for Royal Gramma should be 72°F to 80°F for them to be comfortable.

A heater will be needed to maintain the water temperature in their tank. They also need bright lighting to help them see their food and to show off their colors. You can use fluorescent light or an LED light.

Filtration Requirements

The Royal Gramma is a small fish, but they produce a lot of waste. The tank should be filtered to keep the water quality high. A canister filter or a hang-on-back filter will work well for their tank. The filter should be cleaned regularly to prevent it from getting clogged. The filter media should be changed every month.

Substrate And Gravel

The substrate should be dark in color, and the gravel should be small. This will help to make the Royal Gramma feel more comfortable and less stressed. You can use live plants to help with the filtration of the water and to provide hiding places for the fish.

Live Plants And Decorations

The Royal Gramma is a small fish but needs plenty of hiding places. Live plants and decorations can be used to provide hiding places for them. The live plants will also help to filter the water and make it healthier for the fish.

You can use plants like Java ferns, hornwort, and anubias. Rocks can be perfect for your tank, so add some rocks and driftwood to decorate your tank.

Ammonia And Nitrates Level

The ammonia and nitrates levels in the water should be kept low. This can be done by doing regular water changes and cleaning the tank regularly. Ammonia and nitrates can be harmful to your fish, and they can cause health problems. The level should not rise above 0 ppm.

Protein Skimmer And Gravel Vacuum

A protein skimmer will help to remove waste from the water, and it can also help to aerate the water. A gravel vacuum can be used to clean the substrate and gravel.

This will help to remove any waste that has accumulated over time. Using a protein skimmer will oxygenate the water, and a gravel vacuum will come in very handy for cleaning the gravel from time to time.

Water Test Kits

It is essential to test the water regularly to ensure the levels are all correct. You can use a water test kit to test the pH, ammonia, nitrate, and carbonate hardness. Water test kits can be found at your local pet store or online.

Transportation And Handling Of Royal Gramma Fish

The Royal Gramma is a small fish, and they are effortless to transport. They can be transported in a plastic bag or a cup. Ensure the bag or cup has plenty of air so the fish can breathe.

It is also essential to ensure the water temperature is the same as their tank. If the water temperature is too cold, the fish can go into shock, and they may die.

Royal Gramma: Compatibility And Tank Mates

The Royal Gramma is a peaceful fish that will do well with other peaceful fish. They can be kept with other gramma species, clownfish, damselfish, gobies, Cardinalfish, and wrasses.

They should not be kept with aggressive fish or fish too big for them. The Royal Gramma is a very active fish, and it will do well in a tank with plenty of swimming space.

Royal Gramma: Potential Diseases

The Royal Gramma is a hardy fish, and they are not susceptible to many diseases. However, like all fish, they can contract some diseases if not kept in a clean and healthy environment.

Some diseases they may contract include ich, velvet, bacterial, and fungal infections. Royal Grammas are also known to be carriers of the parasite Cryptocaryon irritans, also known as marine ich or white spot disease. This disease is highly contagious and can quickly kill your fish if they are not treated.

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is the best way to prevent diseases in your fish. Make sure that you are doing regular water changes and that you are using a good filter. It would help to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

Royal Gramma: Treatments And Medications

If your fish does get sick, there are a variety of treatments and medications that you can use to help them. Some of the most common medications include ich, antibiotics, and anti-fungal.

Treating your fish as soon as possible if they get sick is essential. If you wait too long, the disease could progress, and it might be too late to save your fish.

There are several medications available for your fish and the diseases it may have. Still, it is best advised to contact your veterinarian or an expert before giving your fish any medication. If the wrong medication is given, it might kill your fish.

Advantages Of Having Royal Gramma In Your Tank

The Royal Gramma is a beautiful fish that will add color and life to your tank. They are also relatively easy to care for, which makes them a good choice for beginner aquarium owners.

Keeping Royal Grammas in your tank can also help to control the population of bristle worms and other tiny pests. They are not high maintenance. They can become pets for beginners as well.

Disadvantages Of Having Royal Gramma In Your Tank

The Royal Gramma is a peaceful fish but can be territorial with other fish. They might nip at the fins of other fish they see as threatening. If you keep them with other fish, ensure they are all the same size.

They might also eat smaller invertebrates in your tank. This includes shrimp, crabs, and snails. If you keep them with smaller fish, ensure you provide enough food so they are not tempted to eat their tank mates.

How Many Royal Grammas should be kept in a tank?

A minimum of two Royal Grammas should be kept in a tank. They are social fish, and they will do best when they are kept in small groups.

Being alone in a tank might stress out your fish. You can add one male and one female to your tank. This will also facilitate the breeding process in the future.

You can also add more fish if you want but make sure that you are providing them with enough space to swim.

Wrapping It Up

The Royal Gramma is a beautiful fish that is relatively easy to care for. They are peaceful, but they can be territorial with other fish.

They might also eat smaller invertebrates in your tank. If you are thinking about adding a Royal Gramma to your tank, make sure you do your research and are prepared to provide them with the best possible care.

The Royal Grammas have their advantages and disadvantages. They are fantastic saltwater fish and will be excellent for any saltwater tank.

We suggest you complete your study and ring these gorgeous fish in your tank. Thank you so much for reading!