Blackcap basslets are very closely related to Royal Grammas, and have similar habits, requirements, etc. .
I agree that they are extremely beautiful fish, with no bad habits. I have found them to be hardy, easy to feed, and long-lived. I kept one for almost 7 years.
They are found in deep water. I have never seen them in less than about 90 feet. In some ways, they are a deepwater version of the Royal Gramma. I suspect that the color difference between the two species (same Genus) has something to do with the light spectrums at different depths. On Caribbean walls, which are basically underwater cliffs, there are usually hundreds of Royal Grammas down to about 80 feet. Suddenly, almost like a sharp boundary line, the Royals stop and the Blackcaps begin. There is almost no overlap, and both occupy the same kind of habitat. Both species stay close to the little holes they call home. They are one of the most numerous fish on Caribbean walls below 100 feet. You can literally see hundreds of them in a small area.
Because they come from deep water, they are harder to collect, and often suffer from decompression injuries. Check them out carefully, and try for smaller sized specimens. They handle decompression much better than adults.
Like Royal Grammas, they are very disease resistant, and love meaty foods. My loved live blackworms. They appreciate a tunnel type hole to hide in . These refuges are also where they spend the night.
