Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Black Banded Damsel, also known as the Saddleback Damsel, are found throughout the west Pacific, Indonesia, and Australia. They’re named appropriately for their pearly white coloration and faint black bars on the dorsal side of their body. Damsels come from the Pomacentridae family, which they share with Chromis and Clownfish. A hardy fish, Black banded damsels may be a good candidate “first fish” to add into a newer aquarium, but introducing damselfish too soon can also risk them becoming territorial to fish added afterwards. 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. Black banded damsels have been observed to spawn in captivity with no intervention. An adult Black banded damsel can reach a size of approximately 3″. Note: Black banded damsels are infrequently available.
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 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Black banded damsels. A set-up with live rock is best for the health of the aquarium, and these damselfish will appreciate 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 the Black banded damsel will typically ignore most other fish, observation after introduction is still warranted. Black banded damsels are reef safe; they will not bother any coral or invertebrate. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
