Black Cap Basslet (Gramma melacara)
The Black Cap Basslet is a stunning and highly sought-after reef fish known for its brilliant purple body, vibrant yellow tail, and distinctive jet-black patch covering the top of its head. This striking combination of colors makes it one of the most beautiful basslets available for marine aquariums. Peaceful, hardy, and full of personality, the Black Cap Basslet is an excellent choice for reef hobbyists looking to add bold color without sacrificing compatibility.
Native to the deep reef slopes of the Caribbean and western Atlantic, the Black Cap Basslet naturally inhabits caves, overhangs, and rocky crevices where it spends much of its time hovering upside down beneath ledges or darting in and out of shelter. In the home aquarium, it thrives in mature reef systems with plenty of live rock, caves, and hiding places. Once acclimated, it becomes a confident and active member of the aquarium while still appreciating secure retreats.
Black Cap Basslets are carnivores and readily accept a variety of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, copepods, and high-quality marine pellets. Offering a varied diet with multiple small feedings each day helps maintain their brilliant coloration and overall health.
Generally peaceful, the Black Cap Basslet is an excellent tank mate for clownfish, gobies, blennies, fairy wrasses, cardinalfish, anthias, and other non-aggressive reef fish. It may become territorial toward other basslets or fish with a similar body shape, particularly in smaller aquariums. This species is completely reef safe and can be housed with corals, shrimp, snails, and other ornamental invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Gramma melacara
Common Name: Black Cap Basslet
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Adult Size: Up to 4 Inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Origin: Caribbean and Western Atlantic
Reef Safe: Yes
If you're looking for a colorful, peaceful, and reef-safe marine fish, the Black Cap Basslet is an outstanding choice. Its striking purple and yellow coloration, unique black "cap," and engaging personality make it a beautiful addition to reef aquariums of all sizes.
