The Master of Hiding

[Reefland]

We got a beautiful Royal Gramma a couple of weeks ago and it is doing great, however we never see it except at feeding time. I know they are found in caves and browse among rock in nature however in captivity I always see them front and center. A lot of you have posted pictures that display their Gramma up front.

If you have a Royal Gramma, does it stay in the rocks for the most part and only come out when asked to say "cheese"? Literally, we never see ours unless it is feeding time.

Just curious,
Scott Z.

[tendar]

The one I had for a year and half would be out all the time till it was moved to a larger tank and introduced to some larger fish then it would hide alot more but still did come out when the bigger fish where at the other end of the tank but more jittery

[Ltspd]

Scott,
Had one for several years and as time goes on they come out and stay out, or atleast mine did. It was my 1st fish in both my tanks (55 and 168) and they are wonderful fish. Mine last one grew quite large and I hated parting with it. Once I get my self and tank back on their respective feet I will make that one of my 1st fish purchases.

[kevinpo]

Mine stayed in one corner of the tank (2'x2' area) and would only dart out for food. It did this for several months. Then it started hanging in the water column above the rocks 10-12" away from the rocks. It did this for a couple of months. Just lately it has become very brave and cruises the whole tank often in the front admiring its refection in the front pane . My sixline chased it a bit at first it is ignored by all my fish now. A great addition to any reef IMHO.

Regards,
Kevin

[SomeHairyOldGuy]

What do you think about me adding one to my tank? I currently have a Blue Devil and Convict Damsel, Corral Beauty, Diadem Dotty and a Perc Clown. Think there would be any conflicts?
SHOG

[Reefland]

Well this morning after the lights were off, our Gramma is now in the center of the tank under a rock cave. That's pretty ironic that I made the post about it and then all of the sudden it comes out. Hopefully he will stay there for when the lights come back on and we can actually see him.

Thanks for the replies. I guess it will just be a matter of time before he comes out consistently.

Scott Z.

[BlueWater]

Mine was a chicken. Rarely saw it. Hardly came out. And if someone walked into the room. Hid again. I'd say I saw it about 8% of the time I stared at the tank. Which is actually alot less than the amount of times I see my Fuzzy Dwarf.

[Reinhold]

I've had several Royal Grammas over the years. All started out hiding in small holes in the LR. Usually, they became more adventurous after several weeks, depending on tankmates. If they are afraid of certain fish in your tank, they'll hide forever.