Neoglyphidodon oxyodon Care Guide
Neoglyphidodon oxyodon is a Western Pacific damselfish whose dark-blue streaked juveniles fade to a grey-black, territorial adult.
Overview
Neoglyphidodon oxyodon is a marine damselfish of the family Pomacentridae, described by Bleeker in 1830 and known as the bluestreak or Java damselfish. Juveniles are dark blue with light yellow markings and blue streaks that fade with maturity, while adults become greyish black. According to FishBase, it is found in the Western Central Pacific.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Neoglyphidodon
- Scientific name: Neoglyphidodon oxyodon
- Author: Bleeker, 1830
Habitat
The species is reef-associated and non-migratory. Adults occur in protected reef flats of lagoons and inshore reefs, including current-swept flats, typically around Acropora coral heads at depths of 0 to 4 metres. FishBase records its range across the Indo-Australian Archipelago, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea, in waters of about 26.5-29.3 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Adult size: 14-16 cm
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Substrate: sand with coral and rock structure
Diet
Neoglyphidodon oxyodon is an omnivore, feeding on zooplankton and filamentous algae. In aquaria it accepts a varied diet of prepared marine foods together with algae-based feeds, offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
The species is diurnal and territorial, sheltering in corals at night to avoid predators. As it matures it becomes increasingly aggressive. Robust tankmates such as tangs, wrasses and triggers (with caution) are preferable to slow, shy fishes or other small damsels kept in small 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 hatching.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in September 2021.