Fairy Basslet

Fairy Basslet
Name: Fairy Basslet
Scientific Name: Gramma loreto
Family: Basslets
Taxonomic: Grammatidae
ID Group: Groupers, Sea Basses, Basslets
Size: 1.5 - 2.5 in.
Depth Range: On the reef (10 – 60 ft.)
Sightings: Seen many times

The Fairy Basslet has a purple to violet front half and a bright yellow rear. A small dark spot is located at the front of its dorsal fin, and a distinct black stripe extends from its mouth to just past its eye.

The Fairy Basslet is often found in small groups, hiding near ledges, crevices, and caves. It often swims upside down beneath overhangs and primarily eats zooplankton during the day. For reproduction, the male builds a nest from algae and defends a small territory. After the female lays her eggs in the nest, the male guards them until they hatch.