[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Marine Fish – Grammas, Dottybacks and Basslets

Directory of Marine Fish

Grammas, Dottybacks and Basslets

Not only do these rank as some of the most beautifully colored marine fish, but their small size also means that they can be accommodated easily. Furthermore, successful aquarium breeding is becoming more frequent, but compatibility can be a serious issue in smaller tanks, because these fish are very territorial by nature. Members of this group can be incorporated successfully into an invertebrate tank. Rockwork with suitable retreats must be included in the aquarium to replicate the numerous hiding places they frequent on the reef.

Magenta Dottyback (Pictichromis porphyrea)

• ORIGINS: From Japan, via Indonesia, to the east coast of Australia.
• SIZE: 2 in (5 cm).
• DIET: Small thawed and freeze-dried foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Aggressive to its own kind

These small fish inhabit holes in the reef, through which they move easily, thanks to their narrow, elongated body shape. They are inconspicuous, remaining hidden for long periods and then darting out to seize a morsel of floating food. Like related species, the Magenta Dottyback will eat food that falls to the tank floor. Dottybacks have sharp teeth and are capable of inflicting a painful bite, irrespective of their size.

Diadem Basslet (Pictichromis diadema)

• ORIGINS: The western Pacific region, ranging from northern Australia and Indonesia to Japan.
• SIZE: 3 in (7.5 cm).
• DIET: Fresh and thawed animal foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Highly territorial.

A broad purple streak extends from the upper lip of the Diadem Basslet and narrows to a point near the rear of the dorsal fin. The rest of the body varies from yellow to yellowish-orange. Like other members of the group, these basslets may hang at strange angles in the water. This is normal and not generally a cause for concern, as it would be with many other fish. Loss of color is more significant and can indicate a decline in water quality.

Dutoiti Dottyback (Pseudochromis dutoiti)

• ORIGINS: Found off the east coast of Africa, in northern and western parts of the Indian Ocean.
• SIZE: 3 1⁄2 in (9 cm).
• DIET: Prepared live foods of suitable size.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: May quarrel with related fish.

Dutoiti Dottybacks can be bred in the home aquarium. To maximize breeding success, three individuals should be introduced into a large reef aquarium that has plenty of well-spaced retreats. After mating occurs, the spawn is guarded by the male in a safe locality, such as a hole in a rock. The eggs hatch approximately six days after spawning. Rotifers are a suitable food for feeding the fry. An adult pair of Dutoiti Dottybacks may spawn over 20 times during the course of a year.

Royal Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellae)

• ORIGINS: Pacific region, occurring from Indonesia southward to Australia, and to Vanuatu in the east.
• SIZE: 2 3⁄4 in (7 cm).
• DIET: Fresh and thawed animal foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Highly territorial.

The Royal Dottyback has coloration similar to the Royal Gramma (see below), a Caribbean rather than a Pacific species. It can be distinguished by the more distinct boundary between the purple and yellowish areas of the body. When buying these fish, select individuals with a strong coloration, since these are most likely to be in good health. Subsequent loss of color may be a sign of poor water quality or territorial conflict.

Golden Dottyback (Pseudochromis fuscus)

• ORIGINS: From Australia’s Great Barrier Reef northward through Indonesia and the Philippines.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Fresh and thawed animal foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Shy but highly territorial.

Rich canary-yellow coloration over the entire body characterizes the Golden Dottyback. Being shy, it lives close to the floor of the aquarium, where it seeks out retreats. Despite spending much of its time near the substrate, this gramma will not seek its food there, instinctively feeding instead on items in suspension. It will, however, prey on small worms or tiny crustaceans lurking in the vicinity of the rockwork.

STAYING ALIVE

The members of this group are typically small in size, making them vulnerable to a wide range of predators. The danger is compounded because they are not able to swim strongly to escape danger. To protect themselves, these fish use their small size to retreat into crevices in the reef and tend not to venture far from these relatively safe havens. Each individual learns to recognize its own territory and uses interconnecting holes in its reef domain like escape tunnels, darting through them in order to avoid any attempted pursuit or ambush.

Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)

• ORIGINS: The Caribbean region, from Florida to the northern coast of South America.
• SIZE: 3 in (7.5 cm).
• DIET: Fresh and thawed animal foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Highly territorial.

One of the most beautiful members of a colorful group, the Royal Gramma has a purplish front half to its body, with the rear part varying from yellow to orange. A black stripe runs through the eye, and the dorsal fin has a black spot. There is a good chance of successful spawning, but for breeding purposes it is vital to introduce the fish to the tank at the same time, since a newcomer is likely to be persecuted.

Blackcap Basslet (Gramma melacara)

• ORIGINS: The Caribbean region, occurring in the area between Florida and northern South America.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Fresh and thawed animal foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Highly territorial.

Stunning shades of mauve and purple extending to the fins, and a dark area on the head, are the key features of this basslet, which is among the more territorial members of the group. If you intend to keep more than one Blackcap Basslet, ensure that the base of the tank is divided by the decor into different areas where the fish can establish themselves. They are less likely to quarrel if kept in groups of three, rather than pairs.