Similar Damselfish - Medium

The Similar Damselfish has a vivid blue head and body, a pale belly, and a bright yellow tail. The dorsal fin is the same blue colour with a yellow edge at the rear. The pectoral fins are yellow with a hint of blue, and the anal fins are bluer with a yellow edge. Mature adults can reach a length of 2.75 inches (7 centimetres).

Similar Damselfish are oviparous, forming distinct pairs when they are breeding. Eggs are demersal and stick to the substrate after spawning. The male guards the eggs, aerating them until they hatch into youngsters.

This species inhabits the Indian Ocean. It is found in the Andaman Sea, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. It is a reef dweller, usually spotted between depths of 2-15 metres.

Tank Recommendations for your Similar Damselfish.

Aquarium size should be a minimum of 30 gallons (136.3 litres).

The Similar Damselfish can be kept in a smaller aquarium than most other Damsels. It is naturally a reef fish but can also be kept fish only tank.

A suitable aquarium should have a variety of hiding places for this species. Arrange live rock to create cave and crevices for shelter for them to hid in.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Similar Damselfish is semi-aggressive. It won't pay much attention to other fish, and invertebrates in the tank. However, it may show aggression to other damsels and fish of a similar size.

This species is best housed in mated pairs or as part of a group. A shoal should ideally contain one male and at least five females.

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, Anthias, Clownfish, and Gobies are all suitable companions. They are extremely compatible with their own kind if housed as a pair or in a harem if 5-7 fish.

Sometime Compatible

Similar Damselfish may become territorial with other Damselfish species and similar sized fish. Care should also be taken with Batfish, Cardinalfish, Chromis, Hogfish, Pufferfish, and Triggerfish.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid Anglerfish/Frogfish and larger, aggressive species. Groupers, Lionfish, Eels, Sharks, and Rays are all unsuitable. Slow moving fish such as Pipefish and Seahorses should also be kept separately.

Feeding your Similar Damselfish

The Similar Damselfish is an omnivore. It will consume a combination of meaty products, flake food, and herbivore preparations. A suitable diet should include krill, artemia, mysis, zooplankton, and spirulina. They should be fed small amounts once or twice a day.