Blackcap Gramma

$80.00

4-5cm

Blackcap Gramma, Gramma melacara

  • Common Name: Blackcap Gramma
  • Latin Name: Gramma melacara
  • Synonyms: None recorded
  • Distribution: The Blackcap Gramma is native to the Caribbean Sea, specifically found in areas such as the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and the northern Caribbean.
  • Max Size: The Blackcap Gramma can grow up to a maximum size of about 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length.
  • Temperature Range: The recommended temperature range for the Blackcap Gramma is between 72-78°F (22-26°C).
  • pH Range: The Blackcap Gramma prefers a pH range of 8.1-8.4.
  • KH Range: The ideal KH range for the Blackcap Gramma is 8-12 dKH.
  • Care Level: The care level for the Blackcap Gramma is considered moderate. While they are generally hardy, they require stable water parameters.
  • Lighting Preference: The Blackcap Gramma does not have specific lighting preferences and can adapt well to a variety of lighting conditions commonly found in reef aquariums.
  • Preferred Food: The Blackcap Gramma is a carnivorous species. It feeds primarily on small crustaceans and zooplankton. In a home aquarium, they should be provided with a varied diet that includes high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish.
  • Behaviour: Blackcap Grammas are peaceful and relatively shy fish. They often seek shelter among rock crevices and coral branches, using these hiding spots as their territories. They are known to be solitary and may display territorial behaviour towards similar-looking fish.
  • Suitable for Reef Tanks: Yes, the Blackcap Gramma is generally suitable for reef tanks. They are reef-safe and can coexist with corals and other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised when selecting tank mates, as they may exhibit aggression towards other fish of similar appearance or intruders in their territory.
  • Discoverer: The Blackcap Gramma, Gramma melacara, was discovered and described by Victor G. Springer in 1981.
  • Interesting Facts:
  • The Blackcap Gramma gets its name from the distinctive black spot on the upper part of its dorsal fin, which resembles a cap. They are known for their beautiful colouration, with a vibrant purple body. This fish is a member of the Grammidae family, which includes other popular aquarium species like the Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto). In the wild, they are often found in coral-rich areas, where they seek shelter and forage for food among the branches and crevices.
  • It is important to note that while the Blackcap Gramma is generally hardy, they can be sensitive to sudden changes in water conditions or poor water quality. Maintaining stable parameters and providing them with suitable hiding spots and a well-balanced diet are crucial for their health and well-being.

The Blackcap Gramma, Gramma melacara, is a visually stunning fish with vibrant colours. It has a compact body shape and can reach a maximum size of about 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. The body colouration is predominantly purple, transitioning to a yellow or orange gradient towards the tail. One distinctive feature of this species is the black spot located on the upper part of its dorsal fin, resembling a cap.

Natural Habitat:

In its natural habitat, the Blackcap Gramma can be found in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit areas with abundant coral formations and rocky reefs. Among these reef structures, they seek shelter and establish their territories. The presence of coral branches and rock crevices provides ample hiding spots for the fish, allowing them to retreat when threatened and providing a sense of security.

Keeping Blackcap Gramma Healthy:

The Blackcap Gramma requires a moderate level of care and attention to ensure its health and well-being. Providing stable water parameters within the recommended range is essential. Maintaining a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C) and a pH range of 8.1-8.4 is recommended. Regular monitoring of water quality, including parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, is crucial to prevent any harmful fluctuations.

Special Requirements and Feeding:

While the Blackcap Gramma does not have any specific special requirements, offering a varied diet is important to meet their nutritional needs. They are carnivorous and feed primarily on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In a home aquarium, they should be fed a balanced diet consisting of high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish. Supplementing their diet with quality pellet or flake foods specifically formulated for carnivorous fish can also be beneficial.

How Many Should I Keep?

When it comes to keeping Blackcap Grammas, they are best kept individually or as a single pair in a tank. They can be territorial, especially towards similar-looking fish or intruders in their territory. Providing each fish with enough space and hiding spots will help minimize potential aggression.

Lighting Preference:

The Blackcap Gramma does not have specific lighting preferences. They can adapt well to a variety of lighting conditions commonly found in reef aquariums, including both moderate and high-intensity lighting. It is important to strike a balance to ensure that the lighting provided is suitable for the overall health of the fish and any corals or other photosynthetic organisms in the tank.

Suitable Tank Mates:

The Blackcap Gramma is generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tank mates. However, caution should be exercised when selecting tank mates, especially those that resemble the Blackcap Gramma or share similar coloration. They may exhibit territorial behaviour towards these species. Suitable tank mates can include other peaceful fish species that occupy different areas of the tank, such as peaceful reef-dwelling gobies, blennies, or smaller wrasses.

Breeding Gramma melacara:

Breeding the Blackcap Gramma, Gramma melacara, in a home aquarium can be challenging, and successful breeding attempts have been rare in captivity. Limited information is available regarding their specific breeding requirements, but creating the right conditions can increase the chances of success.

  1. Set up

To encourage breeding, it is important to provide a suitable cave or structure within the aquarium where the pair can lay their eggs. This can be achieved by incorporating caves, crevices, or PVC pipe sections into the tank’s design. The chosen spawning site should offer privacy and security for the pair during the breeding process.

Maintaining water quality is crucial during breeding. The water temperature should be consistent and within the species’ preferred range, which is typically between 78-82°F (25-28°C). A stable pH level between 8.1 and 8.4 and a salinity level of 1.023-1.025 should be maintained.

  1. Feeding

Diet plays a vital role in the successful breeding of Blackcap Grammas. Providing a varied and nutritious diet is essential to condition the fish for breeding. Offering high-quality frozen or live foods such as enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish can help stimulate breeding behaviour.

  1. Introduction of a pair

Introducing a compatible breeding pair is crucial. It is recommended to acquire a bonded pair from a reputable source to increase the chances of successful reproduction. The pair should be introduced to the tank simultaneously and given time to establish their territory and bond with each other.

  1. Courtship

During the breeding process, it is important to closely monitor the behaviour of the pair. They may exhibit courtship rituals, such as displaying vibrant colours, flaring fins, and engaging in chasing or circling behaviour. The female will deposit adhesive eggs on the chosen spawning site, and the male will fertilize them.

  1. Rearing

Once the eggs are laid, it is important to provide a suitable environment for their development. Maintaining water conditions and ensuring proper filtration and circulation are essential to promote egg health. The eggs will typically hatch within a few days, and the fry will enter a larval stage.

Rearing the fry can be challenging, as they have specific dietary requirements and are susceptible to diseases. Providing small live foods such as rotifers and copepods, supplemented with finely crushed dry foods, can help support their growth and development.

It’s important to note that breeding Blackcap Grammas requires a significant level of experience, dedication, and patience. Due to the challenges associated with breeding this species, many hobbyists rely on commercial breeding facilities to acquire Blackcap Grammas for their aquariums.

Sexual Dimorphism:

The Blackcap Gramma does not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism. Both males and females share the same vibrant colouration and body shape, making it challenging to visually distinguish between the sexes.

Distribution:

The Blackcap Gramma, Gramma melacara, is naturally distributed in the Caribbean Sea. They can be found in various locations, including the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and the northern Caribbean. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught. It is important to ensure sustainable collection practices and select specimens that have been responsibly sourced.

Summary:

The Blackcap Gramma, Gramma melacara, is a visually striking fish with its purple body, and distinctive black cap on the dorsal fin. It requires a moderate level of care and attention, with stable water parameters and a balanced diet being essential for its well-being. They are generally peaceful and suitable for reef tanks, but caution should be exercised when selecting tank mates. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging, and successful attempts are rare. Overall, the Blackcap Gramma is a beautiful addition to a marine aquarium, adding a splash of colour and lively behaviour.

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