Azure Damselfish

The azure damselfish is a small damsel whose upper half is bright blue and whose lower half and tail are vivid yellow. It is distinguished from the similar yellowtail blue damsel (Chrysiptera parasema) by the yellow color extending forward along the belly. It is a hardy species that is easy to feed. It is considered moderately aggressive among damsels; although calm when young, it claims the corner it lives in as it gets older.

• At least 75 liters for a single specimen.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe; it leaves corals and invertebrates alone.
• A rock structure with plenty of holes; adding it as one of the last fish in the community reduces fighting.

Omnivorous. Feed twice a day with flake and granule foods, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and foods containing algae.

Markedly territorial towards its own species and similarly colored damsels; a single specimen is best in a small aquarium. In a large aquarium, a small group all added at the same time can be tried.

Good companions: Clownfish, chromis, tangs, blennies, cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Other blue damsels, very shy small species (in a small aquarium), predatory fish.