DAMSELS

CHECK THIS THREAD OF SPECIES PROFILES & INFORMATION REGARDING DAMSELS.
PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS IN THIS THREAD..USE THE MAIN SALTWATER FISH THREAD...

DOMINO DAMSEL
Scientific Name: Dascyllus trimaculatus
Family: Pomacentridae
Size: 5½ inches
Temperature: 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit
Origin: Pacific and Indian Oceans

The domino damsel is readily available at most local fish stores. It is very hardy and is often used to get the nitrogen cycle going in a new aquarium. However, it has a number of drawbacks that makes it a less-than-ideal aquarium fish in the long run. First, this cute, little fish that is velvet black with bright white spots eventually matures into a fairly large, drab grayish fish that is not that interesting to keep and will try to beat up every other fish in the tank.

That said, the domino damsel is still very popular, primarily because it is cheap and hardy. Because it is so hardy, it is an excellent fish to start a tank with. However, it is best to plan on removing it when the tank has cycled and you want to put in other fish. Some aquarium shops keep several domino damsels that they “rent out” to hobbyists for starting their tanks. The stores take the damsels back in exchange for other fish.

The domino damsel will eat anything that is offered to it, and it will graze on algae. The domino damsel is completely reef-safe and will not bother any invertebrates in an aquarium. It will also spawn fairly readily in a tank, but when it spawns it can make life extremely unpleasant for its tankmates.

Scientific Name: Chrysiptera cyanea
Family: Pomacentridae
Size: 2½ inches
Temperature: 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit
Origin: Pacific Ocean

The blue devil is often confused with the yellowtail damsel because they both look so similar to each other. The main differences between the two species are that the blue devil has yellow on the mouth, face, and into the belly region and tail. It also has a black lightning stripe going backward from the eye. A blue devil can be kept in groups in a large enough aquarium, although it is best to have only a single male in the group.

This fish is raised commercially, and it is almost always available in your local fish store. It will spawn readily in an aquarium, and the males may become aggressive, especially if they are spawning. A blue devil is often used to begin cycling a new aquarium, but this is not a great idea because it can claim the entire tank as its territory, and get very aggressive toward any other fish as they are introduced into the tank.

Feeding a blue devil is not a problem because it will eat pretty much anything. In addition, it will graze on algae and other foods that arise naturally in a tank. It is completely reef-safe, and will not bother any invertebrates.

Scientific Name: Chrysiptera parasema
Family: Pomacentridae
Size: 2½ inches
Temperature: 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit
Origin: Pacific Ocean

One of the more peaceful damselfishes, the yellowtail damsel is an excellent fish for beginning hobbyists. It can be kept in small groups if the tank is large enough and there are sufficient hiding places and bolt-holes for it in the rockwork. Unlike other fishes of its family, the yellowtail damsel does not become overly aggressive or territorial.

This fish is produced commercially, and an aquacultured fish adapts to aquariums easily. Because of its hardiness, it is often used to start the nitrogen cycle in a new aquarium. Unlike some other damsels used for this purpose, there is usually not a problem leaving it in the tank and adding other fish. The yellowtail damsel is also excellent in a reef aquarium and will not bother any types of invertebrates.

Feeding a yellowtail damsel is not a problem because it will readily accept most standard aquarium fare. In addition, it continually grazes on algae growing in the tank. It will often pair up in an aquarium and spawn, although it is difficult if not impossible to raise the babies in a tank with other fish.