Fiji Blue Devil Damsel Care Guide
Chrysiptera taupou is a vivid blue western Pacific damselfish with a yellow underside, known for marked aggression toward smaller fish.
Overview
Chrysiptera taupou is a marine damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the western Pacific, often traded as the Fiji blue devil or south seas devil. It has a vivid blue body with an intense yellow belly, throat and tail. It is markedly aggressive and territorial despite its modest size.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chrysiptera
- Scientific name: Chrysiptera taupou
- Common name: Fiji blue devil, south seas devil
Habitat
The species ranges across the western Pacific from the Coral Sea, including the northern Great Barrier Reef, to Samoa. FishBase records it from lagoon and offshore coral reefs at depths of about 0-10 m. It is diurnal.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 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 cm
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Reef compatibility
Chrysiptera taupou is reef-safe and does not harm corals or invertebrates, although its aggression should be considered when choosing tankmates.
Diet
It is omnivorous, feeding in the wild on plankton and small invertebrates. In aquaria it accepts marine flakes, pellets and frozen foods such as mysis and brine shrimp, offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
The species behaves aggressively toward smaller fish, particularly other damsels and clownfish, and is best kept in a large tank that can absorb its territorial behaviour. Robust companions such as tangs and wrasses are suitable, with triggers added 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.