The blackcap basslet (''Gramma melacara''), or blackcap gramma, is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
fish
Fish are aquatic, craniate, gill-bearing animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish as well as various extinct related groups. Approximately 95% of li ...
inhabiting
reefs
A reef is a ridge or shoal of rock, coral or similar relatively stable material, lying beneath the surface of a natural body of water. Many reefs result from natural, abiotic processes— deposition of sand, wave erosion planing down rock out ...
in the
tropical
The tropics are the regions of Earth surrounding the Equator. They are defined in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere at N and the Tropic of Capricorn in
the Southern Hemisphere at S. The tropics are also referred to ...
western
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about . It covers approximately 20% of Earth's surface and about 29% of its water surface area. It is known to separate the " Old World" of Africa, Europe ...
. It prefers vertical surfaces with crevices in which it can hide. It can be found at depths of from (usually between ). This species can also be found in the
aquarium
An aquarium (plural: ''aquariums'' or ''aquaria'') is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which aquatic plants or animals are kept and displayed. Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, aq ...
trade.
Appearance
A small fish, reaching a length of
TL, it is purple with a diagonal black cap on its head. The body colour varies from magenta to purple, and there is a jet-black diagonal cap running from the lip to the foredorsal fin. The largest scientifically measured blackcap gramma was 10.0 cm / 3.9 inches.
In the aquarium
A hardy fish, it is typically peaceful, and can be kept in a reef aquarium. Care should be taken, however, to only add one fish to an aquarium, as they are territorial, and do not accept other members of the same, or similar looking, species in the same aquarium. Small shrimp also may get eaten by this fish. Because it likes to hide, it should only be kept in an aquarium with large amounts of
live rock
Live rock is rock from the ocean that has been introduced into a saltwater aquarium. Along with live sand, it confers to the closed marine system multiple benefits desired by the saltwater aquarium hobbyist. The name sometimes leads to misunders ...
. When these fish are frightened, they hide among rocks.
An aquarium that is 30 gallons or larger is ideal. If it is desired to keep more than one in an aquarium, a tank that is at least 6 feet in length should be used, and they should be added at the same time.
It is not advisable to house the blackcap gramma in an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons (115 litres). A lot of rocks, crevices and caves in the set up is ideal. Since it is commonly found in deep waters, it is best to avoid sharp aquarium lights. The blackcap gramma is considered reef compatible, and is commonly kept in reef aquariums. It should kept in mind, however, that it might devour small invertebrates, such as copepods, amphipods, and isopods. The blackcap gramma can start acting territorially towards other fishes, including members of its own species, once it has settled in an aquarium.
The recommended water temperature for blackcap gramma is 72–78 °F / 22–25.5 °C. Keep the specific gravity at 1.020-1.025 and the pH-value between 8.1 and 8.4.
The blackcap gramma is a carnivore species that needs to be kept on a meaty diet in the aquarium. It will normally accept dead food, and it can be fed mysid shrimp, fish flesh, crustacean flesh, and mixed frozen preparations suitable for marine carnivores.
References
peteducation.com Page on Gramma melacara
External links
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{{Taxonbar, from=Q598787
melacara
Taxa named by James Erwin Böhlke
Taxa named by John Ernest Randall
Fish described in 1963
Fish of Cuba
Fish of the Dominican Republic