Captive bred royal gramma behavior

Aquacrazed · Nov 28, 2025

I got a captive bred royal gramma (around 1") and it's showing some strange behavior (see attached video). It's in my QT right now and it's day 2. It's eating a bit which is a good sign but sits at the bottom and tilts to a side often and then goes upright again. I called the fish store that shipped it and they say all their captive bred royal grammas are like this and it's normal. Anyone here with captive bred ones that can help?

mcarroll · Nov 29, 2025

They do act weird, but IMO they also aren't that hardy, so keep your eyes on him!

Things to look out for that are certifiable problems will be breathing issues, lack of eating, sores or bruising, etc.

How is your QT set up and is he subject to any chemicals at the moment?

Alex’s_Mini_Reef · Nov 29, 2025

The first thing I have to ask where did he come from? Did it get shipped from vendor to LFS then to you?

I currently purchased some Captive Bred Directly from Biota and Ora and currently in Quarantine. I did pick up a basslet but mine was shy at first maybe for 3 days but we have to keep in mind there natural behavior is to be inside a cave or rock , I placed some PVC and it seem to do the job. From the looks he appears healthy so I would not treat right away , get him eating and observe. It’s probably just stressing getting used to its surroundings.

Aquacrazed · Nov 30, 2025

I usually QT with prazipro and copper (this time with copper power instead of cupramine). I slowly ramp up the copper. Copper power day one 1.5ppm, day 2 2.0ppm, day 3 2.5ppm. Have a bubbler running. Has enough hiding spots at the bottom.

I got him shipped from a fish store and the breeder is Proaquatix. On this same order I also got a wild caught firefish that's doing great (in the same tank), even started eating a few hours after being in the tank. So much for captive bred hardiness of royal grammas?

His situation has got worse and now just on his side by the sump guard. It's day 5 now. He did eat on day 2 & 3. I dropped copper to 2.24 from 2.5 today by doing a small water change since he got worse after the day I got copper to 2.5ppm.

Alex’s_Mini_Reef · Nov 30, 2025

I see, definitely try to get direct from vendor next time , Biota sells fish from proaquatics and gets drop shipped to you. These guys come in tiny and medication is definitely a lot more stressful for them. But yes once an Aqua-cultured fish touches the LFS it’s exposed to all sorts of issues from Flukes to Ick etc but overall my experience I do consider them hardy but yes they are more susceptible to to getting sick as they never been exposed to many of these things we see in wild caught fish.

I did Prazi Pro / Metroplex on mine 2 weeks after they arrived and that alone caused them get all the side affects of the medication but after speaking to some humble fish QT vendors it’s expected due to there small size.

But I’d say continue treating/monitoring if he’s eating that’s a plus , he should get better once treatment is done and is housed in your Display.

RobertK · Nov 30, 2025

Aquacrazed said:
I got a captive bred royal gramma (around 1") and it's showing some strange behavior (see attached video). It's in my QT right now and it's day 2. It's eating a bit which is a good sign but sits at the bottom and tilts to a side often and then goes upright again. I called the fish store that shipped it and they say all their captive bred royal grammas are like this and it's normal. Anyone here with captive bred ones that can help?

I have two captive bred royal grammas, both purchased directly from Biota. I did put them in a QT for a few days just to let them recover from shipping but don't treat or do prolonged QT if getting them straight from Biota.

Your fish looks healthy in the video. Royal grammas are cave dwelling fish and sometimes swim upside down, so a little sideways swimming is probably nothing to worry about IMO as long as they are active, eating and otherwise appear healthy.