Gramma melacara Böhlke & Randall, 1963
Blackcap basslet
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Grammatidae (Basslets)
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 180 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: West Indies including the Bahamas and Central America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9
Biology:  A solitary species (Ref. 26340) found on nearly vertical cliffs and drop-offs beyond outer reefs. Often upside-down. Retreats into recesses when alarmed (Ref. 9710). Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420). Most common in water more than 30 m deep. Gradually replaces G. loreto at depths of 15-30 m (Ref. 26938).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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