Royal gramma
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Royal Gramma | ||||||||||||||
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Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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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.
[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
- Gramma loreto (TSN 168017). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 18 April 2006.
- "Gramma loreto". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. January 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
[edit] Trivia
- In the film Finding Nemo the character Gurgle (whose name is never mentioned) is a royal gramma.