Reef Fish Guide designation and why

Take it home
Chrysiptera damsels are some of the most popular marine aquarium choices due to their interesting color patterns, modest price and hardiness. These Damselfishes spawn readily which means their numbers in the wild are sustainable. Chrysiptera spp. damselfishes are, for the most part, docile fish that are great for beginner aquarists. Some species can get aggressive but as long as you manage the composition of tank inhabitants, they have a great chance for survival.

Distribution
Indo Pacific and Western Pacific, eastern edge of the Indian Ocean and Western Australia to New Guinea, New Britain, Solomon Islands, Marianas and Caroline Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan and Ryukyu Islands.

Maximum Size
Size ranges from 2.4 - 3.1 inches (6 - 8 cm)

Care Requirements
Minimum tank size for this fish is 30 gallons. A pair can be kept in a small aquarium and while a group can be housed in a medium size aquarium that has plenty of nooks and crannies for hiding.

Food: In the wild these hardy fish feed on algae, pelagic tunicates and copepods making them excellent candidates for a varied diet in captivity. They eat a just about anything so feel free to offer them frozen mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, dry foods and frozen preparations.

Compatibility: Most of these Damselfish species will feed on zooplankton and algae, picking on filamentous algal growths. They mostly ignore invertebrates and other fish but can get hassled by more pugnacious damselfishes and other aggressive species. For the most part it is suggested that you keep one male per aquarium unless you have a larger tank. Larger males become aggressive as they mature.

Please note: It is common for hobbyists to buy damselfishes as their first fish to place into a newly setup aquarium as it goes through the water cycle. Often times this isn't the best idea, as the territorial personality of damselfishes makes it nearly impossible to add more fish in the future. It is best to cycle the aquarium using common techniques that help build up the appropriate bacteria necessary to support marinelife and then introducing several species at once until the capacity of the aquarium is reached. Contact your local fish store for more information on cycling your new aquarium and/or research this with the books suggested on this website.