Royal gramma

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Royal Gramma

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Grammatidae
Genus: Gramma
Species: G. loreto
Binomial name
Gramma loreto
Poey, 1868

The royal gramma, Gramma loreto, is a very popular fish in the aquarium trade. The fish begins as a dark purple which fades to yellow. The royal gramma resembles the false gramma (Pseudochromis paccagnellae), with the two main differences between the two being that the false gramma has clear fins and does not fade, but rather has a distinct change in colour. Royal gramma averages slightly over 8 cm (3 inches) and has been tank bred. Their natural range covers the Bahamas, Venezuela, and the Lesser Antilles. They are carnivorous and eat most meat-based diets.

Gramma loreto
Gramma loreto

[edit] In the aquarium

Due to their relatively peaceful nature, diet and small size, the royal gramma is considered an ideal inhabitant for most reef aquariums containing coral and other invertebrates. Notwithstanding this general statement, royal grammas can become aggressive towards tank-mates when kept in smaller nano reef tanks.

[edit] References

[edit] Trivia

  • In the film Finding Nemo the character Gurgle (whose name is never mentioned) is a royal gramma.