Care guide
Caring for dottybacks and basslets
Dottybacks and royal grammas are small, brilliantly coloured fish. Aquacultured dottybacks are hardy and eat pests, but they can be feisty with similar fish.
Temperament
Keep one dottyback per tank unless it's large, and add them last so they don't claim the whole tank. Royal grammas are calmer but territorial with their own kind.
Tank
Give plenty of rockwork with caves. They're reef safe with corals, but may eat very small shrimp.
Food
Feed varied frozen foods and quality pellets.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.