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Brazilian basslet (Gramma brasiliensis) — Grammatidae

Brazilian basslet

Gramma brasiliensis
Family: Grammatidae

The Brazilian basslet (Gramma brasiliensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Grammatidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–22.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Brazilian basslet is a small basslet (Grammatidae) from the western Atlantic, off Brazil. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a strikingly bicoloured body: the front half is purple-pink, the rear half golden-yellow. As a secretive reef-dweller it lives in caves, crevices and under overhangs of coral reefs, where it often hovers upside down along the wall, and picks small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans and is prized in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brazilian basslet?

The Brazilian basslet has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly pink-purple.

Where does the Brazilian basslet live?

The Brazilian basslet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Brazil

How big does the Brazilian basslet get?

The Brazilian basslet grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Brazilian basslet dangerous to humans?

No, the Brazilian basslet is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Brazilian basslet edible?

Yes, the Brazilian basslet is commonly eaten.

More photos

Brazilian basslet (Gramma brasiliensis) — Grammatidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) bewambay, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brazilian basslet (Gramma brasiliensis) — Grammatidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) jpbuenorodrigues, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brazilian basslet (Gramma brasiliensis) — Grammatidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Helena Ody Neves, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brazilian basslet (Gramma brasiliensis) — Grammatidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) jpbuenorodrigues, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Brazilian basslet sourced
Scientific name
Gramma brasiliensis
Family
Grammatidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
22.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Gramma

More from the family Grammatidae

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