King Damselfish - Medium

The King Damselfish is also known as the Pink Demoiselle. It's an attractive species whose colouration varies depending on where it is collected. Palau Damsels can be identified by their bluish head and white body. Damsels from other locations usually have a greyish head. Their body and fin colour also differ and is usually a shade of orange.

The pairings during breeding are unique and oviparous. The eggs will attach to the substrate and the male will guard and aerate them.

This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region. it is often found in locations in the Eastern Indian Ocean. Other locations include Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the Great Barrier Reef. Its natural habitat is around reefs between depths of 1-20m.

Tank Recommendations for your King Damselfish.

A suitable tank size should be at least 30 gallons (113.5 litres) for a single male or female. For a male and a group of females, at least 50 gallons (189.3 litres) is recommended.

This species is suitable for a reef or fish only tank. However, caution is advised with some invertebrates.

An ideal tank should have rockwork with plenty of hiding places. This will provide it with some shelter, as more aggressive fish may bully the King Damsel.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The King Damselfish is a peaceful species and should cohabit with similar natured fish.

It may harass smaller fish and can be the victim of bullying from aggressive species.

Usually Compatible

The King Damselfish can be housed with conspecifics in a tank that is 50 gallons or larger. Other suitable fish include peaceful species of, Angelfish, Basslets, Clownfish, Gobies, and Wrasse.

Sometime Compatible

Caution is advised with more aggressive species that may harass the King Damselfish. Batfish, Chromis, Grunts, Hogfish, and Squirrelfish will need monitoring.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid Anglerfish/Frogfish, Eels, Groupers, Lionfish, Scorpionfish, and Sharks or Rays. Seahorses, Pipefish, and other slow movers are not suitable for housing with Damselfish.

Feeding your King Damselfish

The King Damsel is an omnivore. Its diet requires meaty food such as vitamin-enriched brine & mysis shrimp. Squid, fish, and clams are also suitable. It needs to consume plant food such as Nori and food flakes containing Spirulina. These should be provided several times per day.