Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Footballer Damsel, also known as the Tiger Damsel or Demoiselle, are endemic to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. With bright white bodies, elaborate black pelvic fins, and a black striped pattern, the Footballer damsel will surely make a statement in your aquarium. While the Footballer damsel is found abundantly on the reefs of the I.O., this fish is rarely seen in the hobby because of the remoteness of collection locations and piracy – yes, you read that correctly, pirates – making them difficult to collect over much of their range. With this infrequency and risk comes a high price tag, but the Footballer damsel is equal in both hardiness and ease of care to all other Chrysiptera damsels. The Footballer damsel may get confused with the Three Stripe Damsel from the Dascyllus genus at first glance, however its snout-shape is different with a black line through it [white spot in Three Stripe Damsels], in addition to its overall more elongated body shape and greater number of stripes. Temperament is also a key distinguishing factor between Chrysiptera and Dascyllus, in that Chrysiptera [including the Footballer damsel] are much more docile. In fact, the Footballer damsel has been observed to be one of the most peaceful members of the Chrysiptera genus. Nevertheless, how a damsel behaves comes down to a complex set of environmental and individual factors. An adult Footballer 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 Footballer damsel. A set-up with live rock is best for the health of the aquarium, and this damselfish requires crevices to swim through and take refuge. 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 the Footballer damsel is that they will typically ignore most other fish, observation after introduction is still warranted. Footballer 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: 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.