Can I keep two Blackcap Basslets together?

Unless you have a very large aquarium (over 400 litres) with an abundance of rockwork, it is highly recommended to keep them singly. They are fiercely territorial towards their own kind and will fight.

Why is my Blackcap Basslet swimming upside down?

This is completely normal behaviour for the Grammatidae family. They orient their bellies toward the nearest structure, which means they often hover upside down under cave roofs or sideways along vertical rock walls.

Will a Blackcap Basslet eat my ornamental shrimp?

Generally, no. They are planktivores with relatively small mouths and are safe with larger shrimp like Skunk Cleaners or Blood Red Fire Shrimp. However, microscopic or very small juvenile shrimp might be mistaken for food.

Does this fish need a cooler tank?

Yes, they prefer temperatures slightly lower than standard tropical reef tanks, ideally around 22–25°C. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 26°C can shorten their lifespan and increase stress.

Why is my new Blackcap Basslet hiding all the time?

They are naturally shy, especially when first introduced. Furthermore, because they are a deep-water species, bright aquarium lights can be intimidating. Providing a shaded cave will help them feel secure until they adjust.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Blackcap Basslet

Gramma melacara

The Blackcap Basslet is a striking deep-water reef fish, prized for its vivid magenta body and distinctive black diagonal cap.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 25 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 7 – 10 cm
Standard 110L marine aquarium: 110 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Live rock with numerous caves, overhangs, and crevices.

About the Blackcap Basslet

Boasting an intense purple-to-magenta body offset by a jet-black stripe across its head, the Blackcap Basslet is one of the most visually stunning members of the Grammatidae family. Found along the steep drop-offs of the Caribbean, it is an excellent addition to a peaceful marine aquarium. Because it naturally inhabits deeper waters, it thrives in setups with ample rockwork, overhangs, and slightly subdued lighting. Once established, it makes a hardy and captivating focal point for the intermediate marine aquarist.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Blackcap Basslet comes from

Native range

Western Central Atlantic, Caribbean Sea

Countries / regions

Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Honduras

Habitat

Deep reef drop-offs and vertical walls, usually found between 20 and 60 metres in depth.

Primarily a deep-water species, rarely seen in shallow reef environments.

Similar species

Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto
Orchid Dottyback
Pseudochromis fridmani
Bicolor Blenny
Ecsenius bicolor

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful and occupies a different swimming zone, making them excellent companions.
Great
McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus mccoskeri
Active, open-water swimmers that will not compete for caves or bottom territory.
Great
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Too large to be eaten by the basslet and provides beneficial cleaning services.
Great
Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto
Congeneric species; they will fight fiercely for territory unless housed in a very large aquarium.
Compatible with caution
Orchid Dottyback
Pseudochromis fridmani
Shares a similar body shape and cave-dwelling habit, which can trigger intense territorial disputes.
Compatible with caution
Volitan Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Predatory fish that will easily swallow the slender Blackcap Basslet.
Not recommended
Damselfish
Pomacentridae
Many damselfish are excessively aggressive and may harass the shy basslet, preventing it from feeding.
Not recommended

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