Who Gives A Fish Forums

Just got a Royal Gramma a week ago, and it's been hiding in the rocks almost nonstop. Is this normal behavior? Tank's a 40 gallon breeder, params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, salinity at 1.025. Only tankmates are a pair of Ocellaris Clowns and a Cleaner Shrimp.

Yep, Royal Grammas are kinda shy at first. Mine took like two weeks to come out regularly. As long as your water's good and there's no aggression from the Clowns, it'll chill out eventually. What's your lighting schedule like? Too bright might spook it.

Mine did the same thing. Took about 10 days before it started venturing out. Now it's out all the time, even during feeding. Try turning down the lights or adding more rockwork for cover. They're big on feeling secure.

martynR wrote: ↑Sat Aug 23, 2025 4:52 pm Yep, Royal Grammas are kinda shy at first. Mine took like two weeks to come out regularly. As long as your water's good and there's no aggression from the Clowns, it'll chill out eventually. What's your lighting schedule like? Too bright might spook it.

Agree with this. Mine hid for ages, then one day it just decided the tank was its kingdom. How often are you feeding? Sometimes they come out for food even if they're shy.

Dude, my Gramma was a total recluse for the first month. Now it's the boss of the tank. Give it time, and maybe toss in some extra caves. They're weird like that.

Mine hid for a solid three weeks before it got comfortable. Now it's out all the time, even during water changes. What's your flow like? Too much current might make it stay hidden.

Grammas are just like that. Mine took forever to come out. Now it's always front and center. Patience is key.

It's normal behavior. Royal Grammas are naturally cryptic fish. As long as it's eating when you feed, I wouldn't worry. What's the temperature in the tank? Stable temps help reduce stress.

Thanks for the reassurance, everyone. I'll give it more time and maybe tweak the lighting. Appreciate the advice!

axonix wrote: ↑Sat Aug 23, 2025 11:20 pm Thanks for the reassurance, everyone. I'll give it more time and maybe tweak the lighting. Appreciate the advice!

No prob. Keep us posted. Also, try feeding right near its hiding spot to build confidence.