Royal Gramma

Kathy Floyd · Mar 1, 2023

Hi all,

I have had the same fish for a while now and everyone gets along no problem. However, for a few weeks now since moving everything over to the new bigger tank, all the Gramma has done is hide. It comes out to eat and then back in his cave which he stays most of the day. I would see him come out a few times at night, but now that has even decreased. I have noticed how much he has grown and am wondering if it is old age? Or, if the new tank has all of a sudden had someone pick on him although I have never seen it.

I hate that he is in his cave all day. Any thoughts?

RedoubtReef · Mar 1, 2023

Mine used to only come out to get feisty with passers-by and at feeding time. Maybe he's just adjusting?

Wasabiroot · Mar 1, 2023

Grammas in the wild prefer the shelter of caves, crevices and overhangs. They are somewhat cryptic in nature. I think it's probably adjusting. As it gets used to its fellow residents you should see it out more. You could also do some observation in case any of the new fish are aggressive towards it. While Royal Grammas tend towards being peaceful, they will stand their ground for a bit in limited disputes. The fish is likely ok and just adjusting.

Double monti 61 · Mar 1, 2023

I have a royal gramma in my 15 gallon tank it is the only fish in my system it is out and about quite often but it does have places to hide and rest in and one area between rocks that I believe it spends the night in so it may be possible that the other fish may be the reason it is hiding.

vtecintegra · Mar 1, 2023

I've had a couple that would never come out of the rock, and I've currently got a small one that explores the tank. I think it depends on their personality.

bnord · Mar 1, 2023

give it some time - its eating, that's all that counts for now

jtf74 · Mar 2, 2023

They are hiders sometimes. Mine is at least 10 yrs old and about 3-3.5" for a reference for age and adult size. Probably just getting used to new digs.

zoomonster · Mar 3, 2023

vtecintegra said:
I've had a couple that would never come out of the rock, and I've currently got a small one that explores the tank. I think it depends on their personality.

Ditto... had hiders in the past and now have one that's always out and about and not skittish. Was that way from the day I got it.