Page 245 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

DAMSELFISH 243

Pomacentrus caeruleus Pomacentrus moluccensis Microspathodon chrysurus
Yellow-Bellied Blue Damsel Lemon Damsel Yellowtail Damselfish

ORIGINS From the east coast of Africa through the Indo- ORIGINS From Indonesia, including the Moluccas, east ORIGINS Found in the Caribbean region, from Florida
Pacific region to eastern Asia and south to Australia. into the Oceania region of the Pacific. down to the northern coast of South America.
SIZE 4 in (10 cm). SIZE 4 ⁄2 in (11 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
1
DIET A varied range of marine fish foods. DIET Eats all types of marine fish foods. DIET Will take prepared and fresh marine foods.
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 Intolerant toward its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Adults are territorial. TEMPERAMENT Tends to quarrel with its own kind.
This attractive yellow Asiatic species has fine blue
markings on its body and fins. Lemon Damsels can
be quarrelsome with each other. To reduce the
likelihood of aggression when introducing them to
the tank, obtain an odd number of fish and choose
specimens of a similar size. Also, choose juveniles
rather than adults, because they are likely to settle
better in aquarium surroundings.
Yellow
underparts
Identifying these fish can be difficult, because their
wide distribution means that there are regional This large damselfish changes color with age,
differences between individual populations. In its blue spots fading as it matures. The caudal fin,
addition, their coloration can change with age; which is transparent in juveniles, turns bright
young fish are essentially blue but develop yellow at this stage. Yellowtail Damselfish often
more pronounced yellow markings as they associate with Fire Corals (Millepora spp.) in the
mature. Although territorial, these fish are not wild, being immune to the invertebrate’s stinging
aggressive toward invertebrates, so they are cells. When threatened, the fish dart back among
suitable for inclusion in a reef aquarium. the coral, where predators are unlikely to follow.

Stegastes planifrons
DISPUTES AND DOMINANCE
Three-Spot Damsel spots—one on the caudal peduncle and one on
each side of the dorsal fin. Unfortunately, this In aquariums, most damsels prove to be
ORIGINS In the Caribbean region, where it is commonly attractive coloration does not last, and adults aggressive as they mature, but on the reef
encountered from Florida to northern South America. become dark gray. Mature Three-Spot Damsels they live in larger groups, which lessens the
SIZE 6 in (15 cm). are relatively aggressive and less compatible level of aggression between individuals. An
DIET Eats almost any marine fish food. together than smaller species. They are easy to order of dominance is established within each
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline feed, however, taking flake and freeze-dried foods group, resulting in fewer challenges. The fish
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. readily. Although damselfish have a reputation for are also less confined in the wild, and there
TEMPERAMENT Watch for territorial disputes. being hardy and adaptable, there is no excuse for are many more retreats, which further
letting conditions in the tank deteriorate, even if reduces the likelihood of conflict. Some
Three-Spots are among the largest of damselfish. they are the only fish in residence. Keep the nitrate damsels lay claim to specific feeding grounds,
The juvenile, pictured below, is easily identified by reading low, carrying out regular water tests and where algae are plentiful. They will defend
the orange-yellow coloration, offset with black making partial water changes as necessary. these sites to ensure that they have access
to an ongoing food supply.

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