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Blue Damselfish (Chrysiptera cyanea)
Blue Damselfish
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Blue Damselfish (Chrysiptera cyanea)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Easy
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Color Form Blue, Orange
Diet Omnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size 3"
Family Pomacentridae
Minimum Tank Size 30 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Easy
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Color Form Blue, Orange
Diet Omnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size 3"
Family Pomacentridae
Minimum Tank Size 30 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Blue Damselfish is probably the best selling marine fish in the United States. Beginning hobbyists relish its hardiness and small size, while advanced aquarists praise the color and activity this member of the Pomacentridae family brings to the aquarium. Female Blue Damselfish are completely blue. Males, on the other hand, have an orange tail and are commonly called the Orangetail Blue Damselfish or Blue Devil Damselfish.

Native to reefs across the Indo-Pacific, Chrysiptera cyanea is usually busy defending a small territory. Interestingly, the Blue Damselfish has the ability to hide in a hole or crevice and darken to an almost black color. This usually happens when it is threatened. After the perceived threat is gone, the Blue Damselfish will return to its electric blue color in a matter of seconds.

The Blue Damselfish is somewhat aggressive, so its housing should be large enough to easily accommodate multiple specimens. It is a good fish for beginners and makes an ideal companion fish for saltwater aquariums of over 30 gallons. The Blue Damselfish is also a great choice for reef aquariums with invertebrates. As the Blue Damselfish matures, it may demonstrate pronounced territorial behavior towards future additions to the aquarium. If keeping the Blue Damselfish with other damselfish, provide multiple hiding places to break up territories and decrease aggression

The diet of the Blue Damselfish should consist of flaked and frozen foods, and herbivore preparations.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"

Customer Testimonials

Clay J Cypress , CA
I have a female and she is very aggressive. So far she is responsible for killing two other tank mates. What they say is true – very aggressive – don't add other smaller fish after this fish has set up its territories. Other than that it is a hardy and beautiful fish.
Samantha C Oconomowoc , WI
I have had my Blue Damsel forever. She's a real trooper – she even survived my move and re-starting the tank! She is somewhat aggressive with the other fish, but seems to get along better now that she's used to them.
Josh R Laurel , MD
This is a very beautiful fish. Its ability to turn black is very cool to show to friends.
Brett [No City Selected] , CT
I have two of these, 1 male and 1 female (I think). The female is very passive and the male usually only chases other fish, although I have seen him nip at a yellow tale damsel once or twice. Mine are not that aggressive but they do have lots of room (55g with 7 small fish). These are great little active fish, I'd get them again! The picture is spot on, except the yellow is not that distinct on mine, as the fins become translucient at the edges. One time a bunch of pellets collected in a pile on the bottom and he defended them from 6 other fish for an hour till he decided it was time to eat.
John B Plymouth , MN
I don't want to be saying that the fish is bad or anything but, if you are getting one, DO NOT get it first!!! It is one of the most aggresive fish I've ever owned. It is responsible for four fatalities in my aquarium. Again, I don't want to be a downer and say that you shouldn't get one, but if anything I recommend the yellowtail.
Nolan P Buffalo , NY
Very good fish I got them when they were young and they grew to the size of my tomato clownfish but its weird because they dig holes in my gravel to escape from decorations.
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