Regal Damselfish - Medium

The Regal Damselfish has a darkish grey face and body. The fins are also grey, with black tips and a yellow patch on the dorsal and tail fins. Full-grown adults can grow to a length of 3.75 inches (9.5 centimetres).

Regal Damselfish are oviparous, spawning eggs that hatch into youngsters. They form distinct pairs during breeding. The females’ eggs are demersal, sticking to the substrate after spawning. After breeding, the male will guard and aerate the eggs.

This is an Indo-Pacific species. It's distribution is across the East African coast, Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea. Regal Damsels also inhabit the Philippines, southern Japan, and northern Australia. The Gulf of Mexico is another area containing Regal Damselfish. However, they are considered invasive, and the origin of their introduction is unknown. Adults can be found on coral reefs, sheltered outer reef slopes, and areas with currents. They usually swim at depths of up to 25 meters.

Tank Recommendations for your Regal Damselfish.

Aquarium size should be at least 50 gallons (189.3 litres)

The Regal Damselfish can be housed in both reef or fish only tanks and are best kept in small shoals.

An aquarium should contain plenty of open space for swimming in the upper area. It also needs a variety of hiding places to provide shelter from more boisterous tankmates

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Regal Damselfish is a peaceful species. It is best suited to cohabiting with similar natured tank buddies.

Damsels may become territorial once they are settled in a tank. They may bully smaller fish or newly introduced species.

Usually Compatible

Conspecifics are best in shoals of 5-7 fish. Peaceful species such as Gobies, Clownfish and Fairy Wrasse are all suitable companions.

Sometime Compatible

Regal Damselfish may get bullied by more aggressive fish. Keep an eye on Chromis, Grunts, Hogfish, and Batfish.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid aggressive predators such as Lionfish, Frogfish, Sharks, Rays or Eels. Pipefish, Seahorses, and other slow movers are also unsuitable to keep with them.

Feeding your Regal Damselfish

Regal Damselfish are omnivores. They will eat a varied diet that includes frozen and fresh meaty foods as well as plant and flake foods. Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, fish flesh, clams, squid, and spirulina are recommended. Feeding should occur several times per day.