Sapphire Damsel (Pomacentrus pavo) Care Guide
Pomacentrus pavo is an Indo-Pacific reef damselfish reaching about 8.5 cm, feeding on zooplankton and filamentous algae.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pomacentrus pavo, the sapphire damsel, is a marine damselfish of the family Pomacentridae. FishBase records a maximum size of 8.5 cm standard length. It is a widespread reef-associated species of the Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Pomacentrus
- Scientific name: Pomacentrus pavo
Habitat
FishBase reports the species across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to Taiwan and south to Lord Howe Island. It lives at depths of 1–18 m, inhabiting sandy lagoon reef areas, patch reefs, coral heads and rubble zones, and is commonly found near jetty structures.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (about 40 gal)
- Temperature: 24–26 °C (75–79 °F)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- GH: 8–12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5–10 years
Diet
According to FishBase the sapphire damsel feeds on zooplankton and filamentous algae, with a trophic level of 3.0. In aquaria it accepts prepared, frozen and small live foods together with algae-based feeds.
Compatibility
FishBase describes this as a diurnal species typically observed in groups. As an aggressive, mid-water Pomacentrus it can defend territory in smaller tanks. Robust tankmates such as tangs, wrasses and (with caution) triggers are generally suitable; slow, shy fish and additional damsels in small tanks should be avoided.
Breeding
Reproduction is oviparous with distinct pairing. FishBase reports that the eggs are demersal and substrate-adhering and that males guard and aerate them. Captive breeding is considered an expert-level undertaking.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 4 October 2021, per FishBase).
Sapphire Damsel (Pomacentrus pavo) Breeding Guide
Overview
Pomacentrus pavo, the sapphire damsel, is a widely distributed Indo-Pacific damselfish ranging from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to Taiwan and south to Lord Howe Island, reaching about 8.5 cm standard length. FishBase classes 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 P. pavo in the consulted sources. As in related damselfishes, the nest-tending male is identified behaviourally during reproduction rather than by colour, and the species is broadly monomorphic.
Conditioning
A species-specific conditioning protocol is not documented. P. pavo feeds on zooplankton and filamentous algae (trophic level about 3.0) and occupies sandy lagoon reefs, patch reefs and rubble; 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 sand-and-rubble areas around rock or coral heads, echoing the species' natural sandy lagoon and patch-reef habitat, so a male can establish a defensible nest patch. Following the family pattern, the male clears an area of algae and invertebrates to form the nest. Space and broken sightlines moderate territorial aggression.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Specific spawning triggers for P. pavo 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.