Grammatidae

Grammatidae

The Grammatidae family, better known as Basslets, is a small group of saltwater fish that is very popular in the aquarium hobby. These fish immediately stand out because of their beautiful, bright colors and modest size; the largest species only grow to about 10 centimeters long. In the wild, they are mainly found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. Due to their size and behavior, many species from this family, such as the well-known King Gramma, are very suitable for marine aquariums.

Name and meaning

The scientific family name Grammatidae is derived from the type genus within this group: Gramma. This genus was first officially described in 1868 by the well-known Cuban naturalist Felipe Poey.

The name has Greek origins. The word gramma literally means ‘line’ or ‘letter’ (something that is written). This name was not chosen at random; it refers to a specific physical characteristic: the lateral line. The lateral line is the organ with which fish perceive vibrations and currents in the water. In fairy bass, this line does not run in a single unbroken line across the body, as in many other fish, but is interrupted or split into two parts.

This family has two genera: Gramma and Lipogramma.

Characteristics

Fairy bass are instantly recognizable by their beautiful appearance. They are generally quite small fish; most species do not grow larger than 10 centimeters in the aquarium. They have an elongated body that is often brightly colored. The color combinations are sometimes spectacular: think of bright purple that abruptly changes to bright yellow halfway down the body, as in the popular Gramma loreto.

A very specific characteristic by which you can biologically recognize this family is the lateral line. As mentioned in the name, this line does not run in one piece. The lateral line is divided in two or interrupted. The front part runs high over the back and stops halfway, while the rear part starts lower on the tail stem.

These fish also have large eyes, which indicates that they prefer to live in slightly darker environments (such as caves or deeper water). They have one long dorsal fin, the front part of which consists of hard spines and the rear part of soft rays.

Origin

Fish from the Grammatidae family originate from the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. Their distribution area is quite specific: they are mainly found in the Caribbean Sea, around the islands of Bermuda and southwards to the North Brazilian Shelf.

In nature, they are true reef dwellers. They prefer to live along steep reef slopes at depths ranging from 5 to 75 meters. In this environment, they are constantly seeking protection. They like to stay in caves, crevices, and under overhanging rocks of the coral reef. Because they are so attached to their environment, you will rarely see them swimming in open water; they always stay close to their safe hiding places in the rocks.

Behavior

What makes fairy basses so fun to watch is their unique way of swimming. These fish do not always orient themselves to the water surface, but to the surface of the rocks they swim along. This means that you will often see them swimming upside down or vertically along a rock face or under the ‘ceiling’ of a cave. They do this when they feel completely at ease.

In nature, these fish often live together in large groups, but these are not real schools like herring. There is a clear hierarchy (rank order) based on size and dominance. They live in harems, which means that one male lives with several females.

In the aquarium, they are generally peaceful towards other fish species, but they can be very aggressive towards their own kind. They are territorial when it comes to their permanent hiding place. If there are not enough hiding places, they will fiercely defend their favorite spot. They are usually somewhat shy towards other fish and leave them alone, as long as they do not try to crawl into their cave.

Fairy bass are active during the day. As soon as dusk falls, they retreat to their crevices and burrows in the reef to sleep.