Page 242 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

240 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

DAMSELFISH

These hardy fish are often recommended as the initial
occupants of a newly established marine aquarium.
Many species of damselfish adapt well to the
fluctuations in water chemistry that will
inevitably occur until the filtration system is
fully established. In addition, damselfish are
easy to feed, and they can also be kept in small
groups when young. However, once settled in
their quarters, they are likely to become more
territorial by nature, which can lead to the bullying of
weaker individuals. There is a large number of species,
some of which are very similar, and distinguishing
between them is not always straightforward.
These Staghorn Damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon curacao) originate from
Pacific waters. Other damselfish are found in the Caribbean.

Dascyllus trimaculatus Dascyllus carneus Dascyllus aruanus
Domino Damselfish Cloudy Damsel Three-Stripe Damsel

ORIGINS The Pacific, from southeast Asia to southern ORIGINS The Pacific region adjacent to southeast Asia, ORIGINS Extends from the Red Sea eastward through
Japan and eastern Australia, extending to Oceania. north to southern Japan and south to eastern Australia. the Indo-Pacific region to the east coast of Australia.
SIZE 2 ⁄2 in (6.25 cm). SIZE 3 ⁄4 in (8 cm). SIZE 3 ⁄4 in (8 cm).
1
1
1
DIET Eats most marine foods, including flake. DIET Takes fresh and dried marine foods. DIET Marine foods, including flake.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Territorial by nature. TEMPERAMENT May quarrel with its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of other damselfish.
The white markings on a black background are This damselfish resembles the Blacktail
reminiscent of the spots on a domino, but this Damsel (see opposite, top left), but it can be
characteristic is seen only in juveniles. As the fish distinguished by the black edging on the dorsal
mature, they become grayer and the spots fade. fin and its white caudal fin. Three-Striped
Young Dominos often seek the protection of sea Damselfish can be quarrelsome among
anemones, forming a relationship similar to but less themselves, especially as they grow older.
permanent than that seen If an individual is harassed, it should be removed
White spot
on side of in their relatives, the from the aquarium.
dorsal fin clownfish (see
pp.244–245).
The body patterning of this fish, which is
predominantly grayish with blue spots, is less
distinct than in most other damselfish, giving
rise to its common name. This species can
Juvenile sometimes be confused with the Reticulated
Damselfish (D. reticulatus), although the latter
Jet-black
coloration can be identified by a dark band that extends
vertically down the rear edge of the body. Clear white banding

US_240-241_Damselfish.indd 240 29/08/18 4:10 PM