Blackcap Gramma, Gramma melacara

The secretive Blackcap Gramma is a fish from moderately deep waters, where it is commonly found at the steeply sloping reef drop-off zone. The aquarium must be mature and should feature plenty of rockwork, arranged so that there is a multitude of crevices, caves and overhangs that provide shady retreats for this species (of utmost importance in brightly lit aquaria). It is not unusual to observe the Blackcap Gramma resting at strange angles or even upside down, close to the rocks. This is a fish that really is best kept as one per aquarium, unless you are blessed with an XXL show tank, where multiple specimens may be housed together if added simultaneously when young, and if adequate visual barriers are provided. Adult males can become quite territorial once settled in, so tankmates should be chosen with care, avoiding any other Grammas and similar-looking species such as Dottybacks. It is essential that the tank has tight fitting lids, as these fish are expert jumpers.

Offer a variety of small meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, plankton, chopped krill/mussel/cockle/clam etc. Some specimens will take prepared foods such as marine flake and pellets.