Royal gramma reef compatibility check
Gramma loreto
Royal gramma (Gramma loreto) is a beginner-level basslet that needs at least 30 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; can defend a cave; avoid mixing with very similar basslets in small tanks. Temperament is semi aggressive and adults reach about 3 inches.
A classic hardy reef fish for adding color without a large tank.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 30+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 30 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Peaceful community tanks with small, timid fish.
- ✕ Can defend a cave; avoid mixing with very similar basslets in small tanks.
Compatibility warnings
- Can defend a cave; avoid mixing with very similar basslets in small tanks.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 30 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 30 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 3 in
- Placement
- rockwork caves
- Diet
- Small meaty frozen foods and pellets.
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 1.2
- Stocking stage
- Early
Related species
- Azure damselfish
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Banded pipefish
Same 30-gallon floor, expert care, reef caution.
- Banggai cardinalfish
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Dragonface pipefish
Same 30-gallon floor, expert care, reef caution.
Equipment that fits
- Innovative Marine 30L NUVO Fusion PRO AIO Aquarium Bundle
30-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Coralife BioCube 32 LED Aquarium
32-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Fiji Cube 32 Gallon Rimless AIO Glass Nano Tank PRO Series
32-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the royal gramma need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 30 gallons, based on an adult size of about 3 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the royal gramma reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can defend a cave; avoid mixing with very similar basslets in small tanks.
Is the royal gramma good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
When should I add the royal gramma to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as early-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.