Damselfishes are an extremely important group of coral reef fishes. Most are marine, but a few species inhabit the lower stretches of rivers in freshwater. Damselfish are usually brightly colored. Their diet includes small crustaceans, plankton, and algae. They should not be kept with Butterflyfish, Clownfish, Groupers, Lionfish.
They are easy fish to keep and do not have special water requirements. The Dick’s Damselfish and The Marginated Damselfish are a good choice for beginners since they are less aggressive and do not need as large of a tank as many of the other damselfish. However, they will be eaten by most fish which can fit them in their mouths. They can also be very territorial and the largest source of damselfish mortality is inter-specific aggression.
Damselfish are often used to break in or cycle a new aquarium, but this is an ethically questionable practice.
List of Damselfish:
- Blue-green Chromis
- Blue Damselfish
- Blue Reef Chromis
- Fijian Blue and Gold Damselfish
- Yellow-tailed Blue Damselfish
