Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) Care Guide

A dazzling small damselfish with an electric blue upper body that transitions to a vivid yellow-orange belly. One of the less aggressive damsels, though it can still be territorial in small tanks.

Overview

Chrysiptera hemicyanea is a species in the family Pomacentridae. A dazzling small damselfish with an electric blue upper body that transitions to a vivid yellow-orange belly. One of the less aggressive damsels, though it can still be territorial in small tanks. Hardy and disease-resistant, making it an excellent starter marine fish. Readily accepts all prepared foods.

Taxonomy

Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Chrysiptera
Scientific name: Chrysiptera hemicyanea
Other names: Half-Blue Damselfish
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Native to the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific around northern Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Inhabits coral-rich reef flats and lagoons at depths of 1-38 m. The genus Chrysiptera comprises around 30 species; this one is among the most peaceful of the damselfishes.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 5-7 cm
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Tangs, Wrasses, Dottybacks
Avoid with: Other Damsels, Very Small Peaceful Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate