Royal Gramma
A small saltwater fish with striking purple and yellow coloring. Generally peaceful, but can defend a cave or crevice in the rockwork.
tankSize
75L (20 gal) minimum
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
temperature
24 to 27C
temperament
Semi-peaceful
diet
Marine pellets and frozen foods
lifespan
5 to 7 years
aloneOrCommunity
Marine community
weeklyMaintenance
Saltwater testing, top-offs, and water changes
Best for
- Marine aquariums with live rock and hiding spots
- Owners who want a smaller, colorful fish
- Peaceful reef-safe communities
- People who can maintain stable salinity
Not ideal for
- Freshwater setups
- Tanks with very aggressive fish
- Bare tanks without hiding spaces
- Uncycled marine aquariums
Temperament
- Generally peaceful but territorial around a cave
- Best kept as a single gramma in smaller tanks
- Reef-safe and comfortable with calm tank mates
Daily routine
feeding: Feed once or twice daily; ensure food reaches its cave area.
check: Confirm normal breathing and that it emerges to eat.
enrichment: Rock crevices and caves provide security.
Living fit
smallHome: Works in a stable 75L+ marine aquarium.
kids: Great to watch, but marine care needs consistency.
firstTimeOwner: Reasonable for beginners who learn marine testing.
Health notes
- Stable salinity and low nitrate support long-term health.
- Quarantine reduces parasite risk in marine tanks.
- Stress from bullying is a common issue in cramped setups.
Cost and time
time: Moderate weekly maintenance for marine parameters.
cost: Higher setup cost due to saltwater equipment.
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