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Basslets

Royal Gramma

Gramma loreto

Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)

Species Overview

Small fusiform basslet split into two colors: purple to violet front half (looks blue underwater) and orange-yellow rear half; 12 dorsal spines and 10 dorsal soft rays (FishBase).

Size
Typically 2–5 cm [1–2 in] (ReefGuide); maximum recorded 8 cm TL [3.1 in] (FishBase).
Depth range
1–60 m, usually 1–40 m (FishBase); 3–60 m (ReefGuide).
Habitat
Reef-associated, in caves and under ledges on coral reefs (FishBase).
Diet
Feeds on ectoparasites picked from other fishes (FishBase).
Range
Caribbean and Bahamas (ReefGuide); Western Central Atlantic including Bermuda, the Bahamas and Central America to northern South America (FishBase).

Ecological role

Removes ectoparasites from other fishes (FishBase).

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TL means total length; SL excludes the tail fin; FL measures to the tail fork. These measurements are not interchangeable.