Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)

The Black Cap Basslet is a stunning addition to a saltwater aquarium, known for its deep purple to magenta body and distinctive black marking that covers the top of its head. Native to deeper Caribbean reef environments, this species is naturally found around steep reef walls, caves, and rocky ledges.

What makes this fish interesting is its behaviour. The Black Cap Basslet enjoys staying close to rockwork, often positioning itself underneath ledges or inside caves. It may even swim upside down beneath rock overhangs, which is completely normal for this species. While it can be shy when first introduced, it often becomes more confident once it has established a comfortable hiding spot.

Care & Temperament

The Black Cap Basslet is generally peaceful toward most community fish but can become territorial, especially when defending its favourite cave. It does best in an established aquarium with plenty of live rock and shaded areas.

• Provide plenty of caves, crevices, and overhangs.

• Prefers areas with moderate lighting and sheltered spaces.

• Can be territorial toward other basslets and similar-looking fish.

• Best kept individually in most home aquariums.

• A tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended, as this species is known to jump.

• May spend much of its time near its chosen hiding spot, especially when newly introduced.

Diet

The Black Cap Basslet is a carnivore that feeds on small crustaceans and other meaty foods. It generally adapts well to aquarium feeding and should be offered a varied diet to maintain good health and colour.

Recommended foods include:

• Mysis shrimp

• Enriched brine shrimp

• Chopped shrimp and other marine seafood

• Frozen marine carnivore preparations

• Quality marine pellets and flakes

Tankmates & Compatibility

The Black Cap Basslet can make a great community reef fish when housed with suitable tankmates. It generally gets along with peaceful fish but may defend its territory against other basslets.

Good tankmates: Clownfish, cardinalfish, gobies, blennies, peaceful wrasses, anthias, and appropriately sized tangs.

Use caution with: Other basslets, Royal Grammas, dottybacks, and similarly territorial cave-dwelling fish. Avoid aggressive fish that may intimidate it or prevent it from feeding.

Reef Safe

Yes – Reef Safe.

The Black Cap Basslet is considered reef safe and will generally leave corals, anemones, and most ornamental invertebrates alone. However, it naturally feeds on small crustaceans, so tiny shrimp and microfauna such as copepods and amphipods may be eaten.

Suggested Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–80°F)

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 specific gravity

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 30–40 gallons recommended

• Aquascape: Mature live rock with plenty of caves, crevices, and shaded areas

What You Are Exactly Buying

You are purchasing one Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara). Each fish is individually selected and conditioned before being offered for sale at Little Shop of Corals.

Health & Acclimation Notes

The Black Cap Basslet may be shy when first introduced and can spend several days hiding among the rockwork while adjusting to its new surroundings. Providing shaded areas and plenty of hiding spots will help it settle in.

We recommend a slow, careful acclimation process and keeping the