Cocoa Damselfish (Stegastes variabilis) Care Guide
Stegastes variabilis is a Western Atlantic damselfish; juveniles are blue with a yellow back, adults dusky brown and territorial.
Overview
Stegastes variabilis, the cocoa damselfish, is a Western Atlantic reef fish in the family Pomacentridae. According to FishBase it reaches about 12.5 cm total length. Juveniles are bright blue with a yellow back, while adults are dark brown or blue above shading to yellow below, with narrow oblique dark lines on the side.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Stegastes
- Scientific name: Stegastes variabilis
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Western Atlantic off Brazil, with the type material described from Cuban specimens. It is a non-migratory, reef-associated fish; adults inhabit inshore and offshore coral reefs at depths of 0-30 m and are often solitary, while juveniles are aggressively territorial.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F); FishBase reports a wild range of about 22.5-27.5 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH: 8-12
- Lifespan: about 5-10 years
Diet
FishBase reports that adults consume benthic algae as well as sponges, ascidians and anemones, while juveniles feed on invertebrates such as harpacticoid copepods and nemerteans. In the aquarium it is an omnivore accepting prepared and algae-based foods, typically fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Juveniles are aggressively territorial and adults are often solitary, making this an assertive species. It suits robust tankmates such as tangs, wrasses and triggers (with caution), while slow or shy fish and other small damsels in confined tanks should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase describes the species as oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding, and notes that males guard and aerate the eggs. Captive breeding is regarded as difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 4 October 2021).