Neoglyphidodon nigroris Care Guide
Neoglyphidodon nigroris is an Indo-Pacific damselfish whose bright striped juveniles darken with age and become territorial adults.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Neoglyphidodon nigroris is a marine damselfish of the family Pomacentridae, described by Cuvier in 1830 and commonly known as the black-and-gold chromis or Behn's damsel. Juveniles are yellow with two longitudinal black stripes and a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin, while adults are much darker. According to FishBase, the species occurs across the Indo-West Pacific.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Neoglyphidodon
- Scientific name: Neoglyphidodon nigroris
- Author: Cuvier, 1830
Habitat
The species is reef-associated and non-migratory, inhabiting coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of about 2 to 23 metres. FishBase records its range across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Andaman Sea and Malayan Archipelago to Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, Palau, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and northern Australia. Two regional colour forms are recognised.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Adult size: 11-13 cm
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Substrate: sand with rockwork providing crevices
Diet
Neoglyphidodon nigroris is an omnivore. In the wild it feeds on algae, crustaceans, and pelagic tunicates and salps. In aquaria it accepts a mixed diet of prepared marine foods alongside algae-based feeds, offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
The species is diurnal and usually solitary, with territorial behaviour that intensifies as it matures. Adults chase smaller fishes and retreat into crevices to avoid larger ones. Robust tankmates such as tangs, wrasses and triggers (with caution) are more suitable than slow or shy fishes and other small damsels housed in confined tanks.
Breeding
The species is oviparous and forms distinct pairs during breeding. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate, and the male guards and aerates them until they hatch.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in September 2021.
Behn's Damselfish (Neoglyphidodon nigroris) Breeding Guide
Overview
Neoglyphidodon nigroris is an Indo-West Pacific damselfish ranging from the Andaman Sea through the Malay Archipelago to northern Australia and the western Pacific islands, reaching about 13 cm total length. Juveniles are bright yellow with black stripes while adults darken. FishBase records it as oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding, following the family's demersal-spawning, male-guarded pattern. IUCN assessed it as Least Concern in 2021.
Sexing
No reliable external sexing character is documented for N. nigroris in the consulted sources, and colour differences between juveniles and adults are age-related. As in related damselfishes, the nest-tending male is identified behaviourally during reproduction.
Conditioning
A species-specific conditioning protocol is not documented. N. nigroris feeds on algae, crustaceans and pelagic tunicates and salps and is usually solitary; a varied marine diet supports condition. Maintain stable reef parameters within the recorded ranges (temperature about 24–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4).
Breeding Setup
Provide open rock in a coral-rich, reef-style layout resembling the species' lagoon and seaward-reef habitat, giving a male a defensible nest patch. Following the family pattern, the male clears an area of algae and invertebrates before spawning. Because adults are aggressive, generous space and broken sightlines reduce conflict.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Specific spawning triggers for N. nigroris are not documented. In Pomacentridae, ritualised courtship precedes spawning; the female lays a string of sticky eggs attached to the substrate and the male fertilises them externally. FishBase confirms the eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate and that males guard and aerate them.
Egg & Fry Care
The male guards and aerates the clutch through incubation. At family level, eggs hatch over about two to seven days into transparent larvae roughly 2–4 mm long that disperse into a pelagic phase. This planktonic stage is the principal barrier to captive reproduction.