Yellowtail Damselfish care guide
Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) — minimum tank 100 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 8-8.4.
Overview
The Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) is a small Indo-Pacific damselfish with a deep electric-blue body and bright lemon-yellow tail. It is one of the most peaceful members of its family and is among the standard hardy beginner marines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Chrysiptera
- Scientific name: Chrysiptera parasema
Habitat
Occurs on coral-rich slopes and lagoon reefs of the western Pacific, from the Philippines and Indonesia to the Solomon Islands, typically at depths of 1-16 metres among branching Acropora corals where small groups shelter close to the substrate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26.4 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 8-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
Diet
A planktivore and omnivore in the wild, picking zooplankton from the current and grazing on algae. In aquaria it accepts marine flake, micro-pellets, frozen mysis and brine shrimp; offer multiple small feedings per day.
Compatibility
Unusually peaceful for a damselfish but still mildly territorial; can be kept in small groups of three or more added simultaneously to a tank with abundant rockwork. Compatible with clownfish, Royal Gramma, Banggai Cardinalfish, gobies and small wrasses.
Reef compatibility
Reef-safe. Does not nip corals or sessile invertebrates and is among the few damselfish recommended for mixed reef systems.
Breeding
A demersal egg-layer. Males prepare and guard a small substrate nest where the female deposits adhesive eggs; the male tends the clutch through hatching, which produces pelagic larvae. Captive rearing is uncommon.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is common throughout its range and widely collected for the aquarium trade with no documented population decline.