Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)

The Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) is one of the most beautiful and beginner-friendly reef fish in the hobby — a vivid two-toned basslet from the Caribbean with a deep purple front half that fades into a brilliant yellow tail. Peaceful, hardy, and reef-safe, Royal Grammas spend their day darting between rocks and live caves, often hanging vertically or even upside-down along overhangs. They make a stunning centerpiece for nano and mid-sized reef tanks. Browse our other saltwater reef supplies and livestock.

Care Guide

Royal Grammas are a true beginner saltwater fish — they accept a wide range of foods, tolerate normal reef parameters, and are hardy once acclimated. The two non-negotiables: plenty of live rock with caves and overhangs (they need vertical hidey-holes to feel safe), and a tight-fitting lid (they're notorious jumpers, especially when first introduced).

Feed a varied diet of small meaty foods 1–2 times daily: mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely-chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets. They'll happily pick at copepods and amphipods in well-established tanks, making them excellent residents in systems with a refugium or pod population.

Specifications

Compatibility

Best tank mates: peaceful reef fish that occupy different zones — clownfish, peaceful tangs, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, anthias, dwarf angelfish, and most invertebrates (shrimp, snails, hermit crabs). Reef-safe with all corals and clams.

Avoid: other Royal Grammas (unless in very large systems with separated territories), dottybacks and other purple/yellow fish that trigger same-species aggression, and large predatory fish (groupers, lionfish, triggers) that may eat them. Keep one Royal Gramma per tank unless your system is 100+ gallons with clear sight-line breaks.

Choose Your Size

Pick the size that matches your tank and your timeline:

• Small — younger fish, ideal for nano and mid-sized reefs (30–55 gal); grows out in your tank.
• Medium — established, eating well, ready to settle into a stable reef setup.
• Large — near adult size, vivid color, ideal centerpiece for larger reefs.
• X-Large — full-grown adult, peak color, the most striking option for show tanks.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Bulldawg Live Brine Shrimp Nauplii — live food Royal Grammas love.
• Adaptive Reef Copepod Habitat — establish a pod population for natural grazing.
• Brightwell AngeLixir — amino acid soak to boost color and condition.
• SFBB Fish Food Icebox — get your frozen mysis home cold.
• Browse all aquarium foods — pellets, frozen, freeze-dried, and more.

FAQ

Is the Royal Gramma reef safe?
Yes — completely. They don't pick at corals, clams, or invertebrates. They're an ideal candidate for any reef tank.

Will it jump out of my tank?
Possibly, especially in the first week or when startled. A tight-fitting lid or eggcrate top is required.

Why does mine hang upside-down?
That's completely normal. Royal Grammas orient to whatever surface they're nearest — including the underside of overhangs and rocks. It's a healthy, natural behavior.

Can I keep two Royal Grammas together?
Only in large tanks (100+ gallons) with clearly separated cave territories, or as a confirmed mated pair. In smaller tanks they'll fight to the death.

Do they eat copepods?
Yes — Royal Grammas happily graze on copepods and amphipods in mature reef tanks. A refugium or copepod habitat keeps them well-fed between meals.

How long until it colors up fully?
Most Royal Grammas show full color within 1–2 weeks of being placed in a stable, well-fed tank. Stress from shipping or rough tank mates can dull color temporarily.';