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Three-stripe Damsel
Dascyllus aruanus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Pomacentridae
📍 Indo-Pacific
Classic white body with three bold vertical black bars. One of the first marine fish to breed in captivity. Extremely hardy and cheap — often used to cycle tanks. Territorial and aggressive toward other damsels.
Care Guide
Diet
Three-stripe Damsels are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplement occasionally with algae-based foods or nori to support digestive health.
Behavior
Extremely hardy and active swimmers that occupy the mid-water column, darting rapidly throughout the tank. They are highly territorial and aggressive toward other damsels and similarly-sized fish, especially as they mature; schooling works best when kept in groups of 5+ from a young age to establish hierarchy. They are bold, confident fish that readily accept food and adapt well to captive conditions.
Breeding
Three-stripe Damsels were among the first marine fish bred successfully in captivity and remain relatively easy to breed in home aquariums. Breeding pairs are highly aggressive and territorial; provide plenty of hiding spots and a separate breeding tank if possible. Eggs are laid on hard surfaces and guarded fiercely by parents; fry are planktonic and require microscopic foods like rotifers initially.
Tank Mates
Similar size and hardiness; may experience minor aggression but generally coexist in larger tanks
Comparable temperament and water requirements; can hold their own against damsel aggression
Smaller and more docile; risk of predation or harassment; monitor closely
May be nipped or chased; provide dense cover and escape routes
Tough and can defend itself; occupies different tank zones, reducing conflict
Hard shell provides protection; damsels generally ignore them while snails help with algae control
Common Diseases
Ich (Marine White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, use copper-based treatments or hyposalinity therapy; quarantine affected fish if possible
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality and reduce aggression stress; perform frequent water changes; use antibiotic treatments if secondary bacterial infection occurs
Velvet (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, loss of appetite
Raise temperature to 28-29°C, reduce light exposure, use copper treatments or formalin-based medications; maintain pristine water conditions
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen belly, torn fins, behavioral changes
Perform large water changes, improve tank conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotics if available; isolate severely affected fish
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 4 inches
- salinity
- SG 1.020–1.025
- minTankSize
- 30 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C