Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Yellowtail Blue Damsel, also known as the Yellowtail or Azure Demoiselle, are endemic to reefs of the Indo-Pacific. They’re named appropriately for their dazzling indigo-blue bodies and bright yellow tail. Damsels come from the Pomacentridae family, which they share with Chromis and Clownfish. Yellowtail blue damsels are admired by both beginner and experienced hobbyists alike because of their durability and presence in the aquarium. They are a great candidate “first fish” to add into a newer aquarium given their hardy nature. While Yellowtail blue damsels are one of the least aggressive damselfish, as are most members of the Chrysiptera genus, nippy behavior is typically encountered when damsels are kept in too small of an aquarium and in too few of numbers. It is best practice to keep damsels in small groups (6+ individuals) to help avoid this, but such behaviors ultimately vary individual to individual. The Yellowtail blue damsel may be confused with the Azure damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea), but note the gold/yellow belly of the Azure damsel in addition to their tail. Yellowtail blue damsels have been observed to spawn in captivity with no intervention. An adult Yellowtail blue damsel can reach a size of approximately 2-3/4″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild damselfish are omnivorous. A varied diet of high quality algae, proteins, pellets, flakes, and enriched frozen foods are important for best coloration, immune function and optimal health. Damsels are some of the unfussiest of saltwater livestock when it comes to feeding.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Yellowtail blue damsels, but these fish can certainly thrive in much larger tanks. A set-up with live rock is best for the health of the aquarium, and these damselfish require crevices to swim through and take refuge. Damselfish are one of the few groups of fish that can endure the break-in cycle of a new saltwater aquarium. At Aquatics Unlimited, we try to offer damselfish that have a temperament which is generally compatible in an array of set-ups. While our experience with Yellowtail blue damsels is that they will typically ignore most other fish, observation after introduction is still warranted. Yellowtail blue damsels are reef safe; they will not bother any coral or invertebrate. Chrysiptera damsels should not be housed with more aggressive damsel species, such as those from the Abudefduf, Amblyglyphidodon, Dascyllus, Microspathodon, Neoglyphidodon, and Stegastes genera. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 3/4″ to 1-1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.