The Blackcap Gramma Basslet, Gramma melacara, is a visually stunning fish with vibrant colours. It has a compact body shape and can reach a maximum size of about 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. The body colouration is predominantly purple, transitioning to a yellow or orange gradient towards the tail. One distinctive feature of this species is the black spot located on the upper part of its dorsal fin, resembling a cap.
Natural Habitat:
In its natural habitat, the Blackcap Gramma Basslet can be found in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit areas with abundant coral formations and rocky reefs. Among these reef structures, they seek shelter and establish their territories. The presence of coral branches and rock crevices provides ample hiding spots for the fish, allowing them to retreat when threatened and providing a sense of security.
Keeping Blackcap Gramma Healthy:
The Blackcap Gramma Basslet requires a moderate level of care and attention to ensure its health and well-being. Providing stable water parameters within the recommended range is essential. Maintaining a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C) and a pH range of 8.1-8.4 is recommended. Regular monitoring of water quality, including parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, is crucial to prevent any harmful fluctuations.
Special Requirements and Feeding:
While the Blackcap Gramma Basslet does not have any specific special requirements, offering a varied diet is important to meet their nutritional needs. They are carnivorous and feed primarily on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In a home aquarium, they should be fed a balanced diet consisting of high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish. Supplementing their diet with quality pellet or flake foods specifically formulated for carnivorous fish can also be beneficial.
How Many Should I Keep?
When it comes to keeping Blackcap Grammas, they are best kept individually or as a single pair in a tank. They can be territorial, especially towards similar-looking fish or intruders in their territory. Providing each fish with enough space and hiding spots will help minimize potential aggression.
Lighting Preference:
The Blackcap Gramma Basslet does not have specific lighting preferences. They can adapt well to a variety of lighting conditions commonly found in reef aquariums, including both moderate and high-intensity lighting. It is important to strike a balance to ensure that the lighting provided is suitable for the overall health of the fish and any corals or other photosynthetic organisms in the tank.
Suitable Tank Mates:
The Blackcap Gramma is generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tank mates. However, caution should be exercised when selecting tank mates, especially those that resemble the Blackcap Gramma Basslet or share similar colouration. They may exhibit territorial behaviour towards these species. Suitable tank mates can include other peaceful fish species that occupy different areas of the tank, such as peaceful reef-dwelling gobies, blennies, or smaller wrasses.
Breeding Gramma melacara:
Breeding the Blackcap Gramma Basslet, Gramma melacara, in a home aquarium can be challenging, and successful breeding attempts have been rare in captivity. Limited information is available regarding their specific breeding requirements, but creating the right conditions can increase the chances of success.
- Set up
To encourage breeding, it is important to provide a suitable cave or structure within the aquarium where the pair can lay their eggs. This can be achieved by incorporating caves, crevices, or PVC pipe sections into the tank’s design. The chosen spawning site should offer privacy and security for the pair during the breeding process.
Maintaining water quality is crucial during breeding. The water temperature should be consistent and within the species’ preferred range, which is typically between 78-82°F (25-28°C). A stable pH level between 8.1 and 8.4 and a salinity level of 1.023-1.025 should be maintained.
- Feeding
Diet plays a vital role in the successful breeding of Blackcap Grammas. Providing a varied and nutritious diet is essential to condition the fish for breeding. Offering high-quality frozen or live foods such as enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish can help stimulate breeding behaviour.
- Introduction of a pair
Introducing a compatible breeding pair is crucial. It is recommended to acquire a bonded pair from a reputable source to increase the chances of successful reproduction. The pair should be introduced to the tank simultaneously and given time to establish their territory and bond with each other.
- Courtship
During the breeding process, it is important to closely monitor the behaviour of the pair. They may exhibit courtship rituals, such as displaying vibrant colours, flaring fins, and engaging in chasing or circling behaviour. The female will deposit adhesive eggs on the chosen spawning site, and the male will fertilize them.
- Rearing
Once the eggs are laid, it is important to provide a suitable environment for their development. Maintaining water conditions and ensuring proper filtration and circulation are essential to promote egg health. The eggs will typically hatch within a few days, and the fry will enter a larval stage.
Rearing the fry can be challenging, as they have specific dietary requirements and are susceptible to diseases. Providing small live foods such as rotifers and copepods, supplemented with finely crushed dry foods, can help support their growth and development.
It’s important to note that breeding Blackcap Grammas requires a significant level of experience, dedication, and patience. Due to the challenges associated with breeding this species, many hobbyists rely on commercial breeding facilities to acquire Blackcap Grammas for their aquariums.
Sexual Dimorphism:
The Blackcap Gramma Basslet does not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism. Both males and females share the same vibrant colouration and body shape, making it challenging to visually distinguish between the sexes.
Distribution:
The Blackcap Gramma Basslet, Gramma melacara, is naturally distributed in the Caribbean Sea. They can be found in various locations, including the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and the northern Caribbean. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught. It is important to ensure sustainable collection practices and select specimens that have been responsibly sourced.
Summary:
The Blackcap Gramma Basslet, Gramma melacara, is a visually striking fish with its purple body, and distinctive black cap on the dorsal fin. It requires a moderate level of care and attention, with stable water parameters and a balanced diet being essential for its well-being. They are generally peaceful and suitable for reef tanks, but caution should be exercised when selecting tank mates. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging, and successful attempts are rare. Overall, the Blackcap Gramma is a beautiful addition to a marine aquarium, adding a splash of colour and lively behaviour.
Dry Goods Delivery.
The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:
- Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
- Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
- 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
- 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
- APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Livestock Delivery.
The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:
- Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
- Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
- Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
- Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
- Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.
These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.
- Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
- Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
- Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.
It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.
Livestock Geographical Exemptions.
The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:
- Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
- AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
- DD8 to DD10
- BT all
- DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
- KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
- HS all
- IM all
- JE all
- ZE all
- KW15 to KW17
- TD9
- FK17 to FK21
- GY all
- KA26, to KA28
- PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
- TR21, to TR25
- PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
- IV all
Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.
We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.
For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.
Cancellation.
According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.
Important points regarding the return process are as follows:
- Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
- Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
- Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
- Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.
It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Returns.
According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:
- Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
- Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
- Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
- Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.
It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.
Replacements
If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:
- Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
- Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
- Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
- Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
- Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.
Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Manufacturer’s Guarantees
The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:
- Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
- Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
- Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
- Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
- Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.
Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Breakages
According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:
- Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
- Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.
By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
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