Gramma loreto Poey, 1868
Royal gramma
Gramma loreto
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Grammatidae (Basslets)
Max. size:  8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 60 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Bermuda, Bahamas, and Central America to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10. Bicolored: purple (appearing blue underwater) in front, bight orange-yellow behind (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Often found in caves or under ledges. Swim with belly toward substratum, thus under ledges seen upside down. Feed on ectoparasites of other fishes (Ref. 5521). Males show various types of nest care behavior (Ref. 35580). Retreat into recesses when alarmed (Ref. 9710). Have been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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