Next possible fish

[Anonymous]

Okay - saw a black capped basslet today. Nice looking fish. Can anyone give me any info on them? Some old threads said they might be territorial? Another said they are like keeping a royal gramma, but since I don't have a royal gramma, I don't know what that means.

Thanks

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[ September 25, 2001: Message edited by: tangirl ]

[ September 25, 2001: Message edited by: tangirl ]

 

[Anonymous]

from what i've read in scott michaels' book; they're a bit less aggressive than the royal gramma but still agressive and territorial. shouldn't be kept with other aggressive fish. may eat some ornamental shrimp. does better in less intense lighting.

 

[davelin315]

They like to stake out a territory, as do most fish, and hover around it. They have the potential for being aggressive, although I don't think they are as aggressive as similar fish. As far as being compared to a Royal Gramma, those are not especially aggressive, although it's fun to see them open their mouths and "yell" at other fish for coming too close. I have never had a black cap basslet, but have looked into it many times, and if I ever find a cheap one, I'll get it. Around here, they generally go for $40 up to $99 at some places, and for a fish the size of a few toothpicks glued together, that's not a wise investment in my book. Keep in mind, though, that whatever I said is not based on owning one, it's based on what I've heard and learned.

 

[Anonymous]

Seems to me that most salt water fish are that price. False percs might run you $20 and chromis $4, but everyting else seems to be, at the very least, $50. And that might be pushing it.

 

[Len]

Whatever applies to Royal Gramma (G.loretto) care pretty much applies to Black Cap Basslet (G.melacara) care. They're a relatively hardy fish that will feed on zooplankton and any fleshy foods introduced. Sometimes, live artemia is needed to get the to start feeding.

They're moderately aggressive, but only towards like-bodied fishes that cohabit the same areas they do. Don't expect them to chase a Tang, Hawk, or Wrasse around (they're nothing like Pseudochromis basslets). I wouldn't be particularly worried about one in your tank.

It's advisable to have lots of caves and overhangs for these guys to feel at home. They're natural cave dwellers, and like other Grammas and Assessors, they'll spend a good deal of time hiding in the rocks. Every now and then you'll see them hovering perfectly uside down, parallel to the top of overhangs. I love it when fishes do this (seems so natural and unique to me).

Nice little fishes. It's not the size that counts; it's the quality

 

[myreef]

I have a black cap in my 29 gallon tank. I am moving him to the 150 next week. His tanks mates now are a false perc and a blenny. He has show no signs of territoriality towards these fish and in a small tank, I would think it could rear its ugly head. He is lively and a beautifully fat specimen. I love the coloration....and was a much better choice than the pseudochromis I had years ago. They are fairly expensive here $50-$60.

 

[Anonymous]

Cool. I think he's $50-$60, but like I said, so is everything else around here.

 

[freedom75]

Tangirl

I am getting gobies and blennies for 20 to 30 dollars. and they have great personality. Also so does my spotted Hawk.. he was 20.00 but he killed my crab so I would not recommend one of those if you have small creatures

Freedom75