Three-Stripe Damsel Care Guide
Dascyllus aruanus is an Indo-Pacific damselfish with a white body crossed by three black bars, schooling above branching corals but becoming territorial with age.
Overview
Dascyllus aruanus is a marine damselfish of the family Pomacentridae, described by Linnaeus in 1758. According to Wikipedia it inhabits the Indo-Pacific east and north of the Sunda Shelf. The white body is crossed by three black vertical bars, with a white spot between the eyes, a pattern that gives it the common name humbug damselfish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Dascyllus
- Scientific name: Dascyllus aruanus
- Author: Linnaeus, 1758
Habitat
Wikipedia reports that the species associates with coral reefs, particularly forming groups above Acropora coral heads in shallow water from about one to ten metres deep. Individuals tend to remain at the same coral patch for life. It is a reef-associated marine fish of the Indo-Pacific.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: typical reef salinity (KB GH range 8-12)
- Size: 6-8 cm (Wikipedia max 10 cm, typical 6 cm)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore and planktivore. Wikipedia describes it grazing on algae and small organisms and acting as a reef gardener through nutrient cycling. In aquaria a varied diet of marine frozen and planktonic foods plus prepared rations is appropriate.
Compatibility
It is highly territorial and aggressive toward unfamiliar species, heavily guarding its chosen coral. It suits robust tank mates such as tangs and wrasses rather than slow or shy fish, and keeping several damsels together in a small tank is not advised.
Breeding
Wikipedia reports that reproduction occurs year-round, with daily mating and females spawning with multiple males in a season, producing up to roughly two thousand eggs per batch. As in other Dascyllus, the eggs are demersal and guarded.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, though Wikipedia notes vulnerability to climate change and coral bleaching, which threaten its reef habitat.