Royal Gramma or Black Cap Basslet

[Dkuhlmann]

I asked this of Steve in his forum but also wanted to get others viewpoint on Which would you choose?

I have almost always had a Royal Gramma and really love the fish. But since I decided to get back into the hobby I've purchased two small ones and both were eaten by a very large emerald crab, whom now lives in the sump.

Well since upgrading to my 40b I've been thinking about my last 4 fish I'm wanting to add and looking over the basslets I am starting to think about the Black Cap since I'm two strikes on the RG's.

I know the BC is more aggressive than the RG but to what degree?

Currently in my tank:
Pair of True Percula Clowns
Hector's Goby
Cherub Angel

Others I have decided on
Yellow Watchaman Goby
Flame Hawkfish
McCosker's Wrasse

I've got some others I may change one of these out for before I'm done with my selection. I'm wanting a total of 8 when I'm done.

Any other suggestion as to a different fish to add? I'm wanting color variations.

 

[Sapelo]

If you were closer I would happily give you my RG. They dig caves. Mine dumps sand on top of my zoas. I've never had a BC so I cannot comment, but color or not, I wish this RG was not with me!

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Thanks for the offer and if I was still living in LA I'd take you up on it. Why don't you bring it to a local lfs for store credit?

 

[Grkgod36]

If your tank was big enough you could have both as long as you added them at the same time

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I agree but not in a 3' tank. They sure would both look cool together. I would love to add another different angel, but that would be a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I'm not dead set on the Flame Hawk so that is the one I would switch out for something else.

What ideas do you have for swapping out the Flame Hawk. They are cool fish, I use to have one. Fun to watch how they rotate their eyes perched up watching everything going on.

My debate on him is if I decide to get a pistol shrimp for the YWG, will it attack the shrimp or would I see fights between the YWG and the FH?

 

[SoloChromis]

I'm not dead set on the Flame Hawk so that is the one I would switch out for something else.

What ideas do you have for swapping out the Flame Hawk. They are cool fish, I use to have one. Fun to watch how they rotate their eyes perched up watching everything going on.

My debate on him is if I decide to get a pistol shrimp for the YWG, will it attack the shrimp or would I see fights between the YWG and the FH?

Flame hawks can get aggressive over time, more towards other bottom dwelling fish (blennies, gobies, dragonets etc.), and he will most likely go after shrimp, although a pistol may have a bit of an advantage given his cryptic behavior and his scrawny body guard :lol: I'd look into the geometric pygmy hawk/hi fin perchlet. It's more closely related to an anthias, but their look and behavior is *very* similar to that of a hawk, only they stall much smaller, are much more peaceful, and are much less likely to prey on inverts.

 

[Deahttub]

Blackcap basslet...love mine...very cool fish

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Flame hawks can get aggressive over time, more towards other bottom dwelling fish (blennies, gobies, dragonets etc.), and he will most likely go after shrimp, although a pistol may have a bit of an advantage given his cryptic behavior and his scrawny body guard :lol: I'd look into the geometric pygmy hawk/hi fin perchlet. It's more closely related to an anthias, but their look and behavior is *very* similar to that of a hawk, only they stall much smaller, are much more peaceful, and are much less likely to prey on inverts.

I saw those but don't care for them as much as the FH, probably because I've had FH's before. This is why I've passed up quite a few FH's and will probably change my mind about having one for the reasons you stated.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Blackcap basslet...love mine...very cool fish

Can you share some pictures? Tell me about it's personality towards you as well as other tank mates

 

[o2manyfish]

In my experiences the Royal Grammas last longer. My Black Cap are always short residents in the tank.

I will say I have a good reefer friend and she has a pair for over 10 years.

The Black caps seem to be a more reclusive fish than the gramma.... Not to mention 5x the price.

Dave B

 

[Dkuhlmann]

OK, Dave you just made up my mind to go with the RG.

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[jraker]

They dig caves. Mine dumps sand on top of my zoas.

wow. same here