Page 275 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

GROUPERS AND GRUNTS • GRAMMAS, DOTTYBACKS, AND BASSLETS 273

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.
The colorful Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) was one of the first
marine fish to be bred in aquarium surroundings during the 1960s.

Pictichromis porphyrea Pictichromis diadema
Magenta Dottyback Diadem Basslet A broad purple streak extends from the upper lip
of the Diadem Basslet and narrows to a point near
ORIGINS From Japan, via Indonesia, to the east coast ORIGINS The western Pacific region, ranging from the rear of the dorsal fin. The rest of the body varies
of Australia. northern Australia and Indonesia to Japan. from yellow to yellowish-orange. Like other
SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). members of the group, these basslets may hang at
DIET Small thawed and freeze-dried foods. DIET Fresh and thawed animal foods. strange angles in the water. This is normal and not
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline generally a cause for concern, as it would be with
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. many other fish. Loss of color is more significant
TEMPERAMENT Aggressive to its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Highly territorial. and can indicate a decline in water quality.

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.

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