Blackcap Basslet (Gramma Melacara)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Black, Purple

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 4"

Origin : Caribbean

Family : Grammidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Blackcap Basslet (Gramma Melacara), or Blackcap Gramma, is a species of fish inhabiting reefs in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean.

The appearance of the Black Cap Basslet gives them an edge over their tank mates. Their vibrant colors are the main reason for their popularity, and you’ll find many of them in reef tanks all over the world. Their basic pattern is pretty simple: the main body is a brilliant color that varies from purple to magenta with a diagonal jet-black color running from the dorsal fin to the lip.

An excellent choice for a reef aquarium, the Black Cap Basslet is a threat to only the smallest invertebrates such as Copepods, Isopods, or Amphipods.

Provide at least a 30 gallon tank with rock caves to hide in. Black Cap Basslets can become territorial once established, so they should not be kept with other basslets. 

For the most part, the Black Cap Basslet is very peaceful with its tank mates and doesn’t like to cause trouble. They prefer to seek shelter near corals, reefs, and live rocks, which is where they’ll spend the majority of their time. Because they tend to be deep-water dwellers, they do better in an aquarium with slightly subdued lighting. Black Cap Basslets can get pretty agitated if they feel that their territory is being infringed. It would help if you avoided fish that may look too similar to your Black Cap Basslet.

The Black Cap Basslet fish is a carnivorous species that prefer to eat meat and other foods that are rich in protein. Feed them two times a day with marine origin foods and micro pellets.

If possible, their diet should include amphipods, copepods, isopods, and live or frozen shrimp. To meet their daily vitamin intake, you should provide them with vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. It will allow them to retain their bright purple colors and stay active in their tank.