Blue Devil Damsel Care Guide
Chrysiptera cyanea is a small, brilliant blue Indo-West Pacific damselfish known for strong territorial aggression; males show a yellow snout and tail.
Overview
Chrysiptera cyanea is a small marine damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the Indo-West Pacific. The body is brilliant blue; males develop a yellow snout and tail, while females and juveniles usually lack yellow and show a black spot at the rear base of the dorsal fin. Despite its size it is notably aggressive and territorial.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chrysiptera
- Scientific name: Chrysiptera cyanea
- Common name: Blue devil, sapphire devil, blue damselfish
Habitat
The species is widespread across the Indo-West Pacific but absent from the Red Sea, ranging from the eastern Indian Ocean and Western Australia to Micronesia and Samoa. FishBase records it from rubble and coral in clear, sheltered lagoons and subtidal reef flats at depths of about 0-10 m. It typically lives in groups of one male with several females or juveniles.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Maximum size: about 8-8.5 cm
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Reef compatibility
Chrysiptera cyanea is reef-safe and does not harm corals or invertebrates, making it suitable for reef systems where its aggression can be managed.
Diet
It is omnivorous, feeding in the wild on algae, pelagic tunicates and copepods. In aquaria it accepts marine flakes, pellets and frozen foods such as mysis and brine shrimp, offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
This damselfish is aggressive for its size and a bonded pair will often attack similarly sized fish entering its breeding territory. It is best housed with robust tankmates such as tangs and wrasses, and triggers only with caution, while slow or shy fish and additional damsels in small tanks should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is oviparous and forms pairs to breed. The demersal eggs adhere to substrate, and the male guards and aerates them. Captive breeding is considered difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2021.