Royal Gramma Basslet: Get off my lawn!

[Punkrawk]

I have a 30 gallon display with a cove/cave type rock structure. The Royal Gramma Basslet was one of the first fish we introduced and he immediately decided to live in the exact center of the display tank where most of the rock was. The Gramma hates it when fish try to go from one side of the tank to the other, crossing his area. No injuries yet but he nips all the time and chases fish away from eating. I am thinking there are only a couple options to alleviate this issue and wanted to get your input. Thanks.

1. Get rid of the Royal Gramma.

2. Rearrange the rock. (Really do not want to do this as my corals are in place)

3. Exchange this Royal Gramma for a new one.

4. Do nothing.

Tank Details

 

[lakereef]

how long has this been happening? Mine showed some signs of protecting it's turf for a while, but over time relaxed a bit.

 

[Punkrawk]

how long has this been happening?

This has been happening for about a month and has progressively gotten worse. It used to be that he would get upset if you came into the cave. Now if anything goes in the center of the display tank you get nipped.

 

[Nina51]

can you put a rock in front of his cave entrance and maybe build some sort of small cave at one end or the other for him to find?

 

[TankStudy]

This a common habit of royal grammas. There are indeed possibly nicer ones but I wouldn't be surprised if you got another one acting similarly. They are instinctively territorial.

I would recommend removing him if you have plans to get other fish or have other fish you prefer more over him in the same tank.

 

[Punkrawk]

Thank you all for you advice. My aquarium is only 30 gallons and it would probably be easier for me to only stock with peaceful/non-aggressive fish (except for the clowns). While I do appreciate the colors of the Royal Gramma, I am not convinced it is worth having a bickering crew just so it looks pretty to me. I am sure I can find another fish to replace him with.

Off to research replacement fish....