{"product_id":"blackcap-basslet","title":"Black Cap Basslet","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Temperament\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide plenty of caves, crevices, and overhangs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrefers areas with moderate lighting and sheltered spaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan be territorial toward other basslets and similar-looking fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest kept individually in most home aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended, as this species is known to jump.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMay spend much of its time near its chosen hiding spot, especially when newly introduced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended foods include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMysis shrimp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnriched brine shrimp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChopped shrimp and other marine seafood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrozen marine carnivore preparations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality marine pellets and flakes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTankmates \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood tankmates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Clownfish, cardinalfish, gobies, blennies, peaceful wrasses, anthias, and appropriately sized tangs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse caution with:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Other basslets, Royal Grammas, dottybacks, and similarly territorial cave-dwelling fish. Avoid aggressive fish that may intimidate it or prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes – Reef Safe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 24–27°C (75–80°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1.023–1.026 specific gravity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 30–40 gallons recommended\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mature live rock with plenty of caves, crevices, and shaded areas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat You Are Exactly Buying\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou are purchasing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Each fish is individually selected and conditioned before being offered for sale at Little Shop of Corals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHealth \u0026amp; Acclimation Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe recommend a slow, careful acclimation process and keeping the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Little Shop of Coral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67959229907217,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/5196\/6737\/files\/IMG_0239.webp?v=1793823699","url":"https:\/\/littleshopofcoral.ca\/products\/blackcap-basslet","provider":"Little Shop of Coral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}