Coral Damselfish - Medium

Damselfish Coral

The Coral Damselfish is a silvery colour with elements of blue on the upper part of the body. The pectoral fins are clearer, while the anal fins and tailfin are yellow. The majority of the dorsal fin matches the body, but the rear edge is the same yellow colour as the tailfin.

Coral Damselfish form distinct pairs when breeding. It is an oviparous fish and after spawning, the eggs will stick to the substrate. The male will guard these eggs and aerate them.

This species is distributed across the Western Central Pacific. Locations include the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. It inhabits inshore areas of coral reefs and lagoons between depths of 1-10 metres.

Tank Recommendations for your Coral Damselfish.

The aquarium size should be at least 53 gallons (200.6 litres).

This species is fine in a reef environment and can also be housed in a fish only tank. Damselfish are active swimmers and need plenty of open space in a tank. If a tank is too small and restrictive it can make them more aggressive and territorial.

There should be a variety of ornaments and rockwork to provide hiding places. The number of hiding places should increase if multiple damselfish are cohabiting. This will help reduce aggressive and territorial instincts.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Coral Damselfish is considered peaceful. Yet, it may show aggression to similar species.

Conspecifics can cohabit as long as they are introduced to the tank at the same time.

Usually Compatible

Damselfish can cohabit with a variety of fish. Suitable tank buddies include Angelfish, Anthias, Boxfish, Gobies, Pufferfish, Tangs, and Wrasses.

Sometime Compatible

Care should be taken with Batfish, Chromis, Dartfish, Grunts/Sweetlips, Hogfish, and Triggers.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid Anglers/Frogfish, Eels, Groupers, Lions/Scorpionfish, Sharks and Rays as they are all likely to eat the Coral Damselfish. Slow movers such as Pipefish and Seahorses are also unsuitable.

Feeding your Coral Damselfish

The Coral Damselfish is an omnivore. In the wild, it feeds mainly on zooplankton. However, it will consume a variety of foods in an aquarium. A suitable diet can include, Shrimp, fish eggs, invertebrates, food flakes, and pellets.