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Gramma melacara Böhlke & Randall, 1963 Blackcap basslet |
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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 | |||