Bowtie Damselfish (Neoglyphidodon melas) Care Guide
Neoglyphidodon melas is an Indo-Pacific marine damselfish reaching about 18 cm; juveniles are bright, adults nearly black, and it is not reef-safe.
Overview
Neoglyphidodon melas is a marine damselfish of the family Pomacentridae, described by Cuvier in 1830 (originally as Glyphisodon melas). Juveniles are pale blue with a yellow dorsal stripe and yellow-lined tail rays, while adults become dark blue-black.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Neoglyphidodon
- Scientific name: Neoglyphidodon melas
- Author: Cuvier, 1830
Habitat
The species occurs across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Indo-Malayan Archipelago, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, Palau, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and northern Australia. Adults inhabit coral-rich lagoon and seaward reef areas at depths of about 1-12 m, usually singly or in pairs, while juveniles shelter in staghorn Acropora corals.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Water flow: medium; ample rockwork and hiding places
Diet
The diet shifts with life stage: larvae feed on plankton, juveniles consume mostly soft corals, and adults feed on soft corals and are notably coprophagous, eating the feces of giant Tridacna clams. In the aquarium it accepts a varied omnivorous diet.
Compatibility
The species is aggressive and territorial, particularly as an adult. Adults lacking a resident clam show higher aggression toward other fish, so adequate space and food are important. It can be kept with robust tankmates such as tangs and wrasses; slow or shy fish and other damsels in small tanks should be avoided.
Breeding
Reproduction is oviparous with distinct pairing. Males guard and aerate the demersal eggs, which hatch roughly 3-7 days after fertilization.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).