Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Black Cap Damsel, also known as the Rolland’s Damsel, are found throughout the South Pacific. They’re named appropriately for the charming black marking they have on their forehead or in the middle of their bodies that resembles wearing a cap. This variation in “cap” placement could be due to geographic phenotypic variation among populations of Black cap damsels, or age. Black cap damsels that do not have black on their forehead will have a sulphur-yellow color. Damsels come from the Pomacentridae family, which they share with Chromis and Clownfish. Black cap 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 Black cap 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. An adult Black cap damsel can reach a size of approximately 3″.
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 cap 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 Black cap 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 1-1/4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
