How difficult is it to keep Blackcap Basslet?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Blackcap Basslet?

The ideal temperature for Blackcap Basslet is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Blackcap Basslet?

The average lifespan of Blackcap Basslet is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Blackcap Basslet get?

Blackcap Basslet typically reaches Up to 10 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Blackcap Basslet?

Blackcap Basslet feeds on: Frozen mysis, chopped crustaceans, frozen marine preparations. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Blackcap Basslet?

The price of Blackcap Basslet varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Blackcap Basslet

Beginner

Gramma melacara

A Caribbean basslet with a purple body and black cap. Lives alone on deep walls and often hangs upside down in caves. Hardy, suitable for small tanks and reef safe.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

22〜26℃

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

Up to 10 cm

Diet

Frozen mysis, chopped crustaceans, frozen marine preparations

About

The blackcap basslet (Gramma melacara) is a small member of the family Grammatidae from the western central Atlantic, in the West Indies including the Bahamas and along the Caribbean coast of Central America. It lives alone on near-vertical cliffs and drop-offs beyond the outer reef, usually at 20-60 m and most commonly deeper than 30 m; the related royal gramma dominates in shallower water and is gradually replaced by this species at 15-30 m. It hovers upside down beneath ledges and darts into holes when alarmed. The body is vivid purple with a black diagonal band from the top of the head to the front of the dorsal fin. Maximum length is about 10 cm. It is easy to keep and can live in a small tank if given rock caves for shelter; as a deep-water fish it prefers subdued lighting. It readily takes meaty foods such as frozen mysis and chopped crustaceans. Once established it becomes territorial and fights with other basslets, so do not mix them. Apart from tiny crustaceans it is harmless to corals and invertebrates and suits reef tanks. It has been reared in captivity.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Blackcap Basslet

The Blackcap Basslet lives 5-8 years.

Size of the Blackcap Basslet

The Blackcap Basslet grows to Up to 10 cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Blackcap Basslet

The ideal temperature for the Blackcap Basslet is 22〜26℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Western Central Atlantic (West Indies including the Bahamas, Caribbean coast of Central America)

Care Specifications

pH: 8.1–8.4
Water Temp.: 22–26℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.025
Min. Tank: 115 L

Semi-aggressiveReef safeSolitary

Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Gramma melacara Böhlke & Randall, 1963

Authority databases: WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.