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Yellowtail Blue Damsel
Chrysiptera parasema
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Pomacentridae
📍 Western Pacific
One of the most popular marine fish for beginners — vivid blue body with a sunny yellow tail. Hardy, reef-safe, and one of the calmer damsels. Best kept as a single specimen or in a very large tank to reduce aggression.
Care Guide
Diet
Yellowtail Blue Damsels are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, small pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis shrimp once daily. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter such as nori sheets or spirulina-based foods to support digestive health and coloration. Feed small portions that can be consumed within 2-3 minutes to maintain water quality.
Behavior
This damsel is one of the calmer members of the Pomacentridae family, displaying curious and active behavior throughout the mid-water column. While generally peaceful, they can become territorial and aggressive toward other damsels or similarly-sized fish, especially in smaller tanks; they are best kept singly or in very large established systems. They are bold feeders and will readily investigate new tank additions.
Breeding
Breeding Yellowtail Blue Damsels in captivity is possible but challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. Pairs will establish a territory and lay eggs on a flat surface, with the male guarding the clutch aggressively. Success requires a dedicated breeding tank (50+ gallons), stable conditions, and careful monitoring as fry are difficult to rear due to their small size and specialized dietary needs.
Tank Mates
Similar size and reef-safe; may show minor territorial disputes but generally compatible in larger tanks
Small, peaceful, and occupies different tank zones; provides cleaning services without competing
Beneficial symbiotic relationship; damsels tolerate shrimp and benefit from parasite removal
Interesting behavior and compatible size; may establish burrow territory without direct conflict
Peaceful herbivore that occupies lower tank zones; minimal competition for food or space
Common Diseases
Ich (Marine White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Increase water temperature to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, use copper-based or formalin treatments; quarantine infected fish if possible
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss
Perform 25% water changes, improve water quality and flow, use antibiotic treatments or medicated foods; ensure adequate nutrition
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, reduce light exposure, use copper treatments or formalin; maintain pristine water conditions
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, torn fins, behavioral changes
Improve water quality immediately, use broad-spectrum antibiotics or medicated foods, quarantine if severe; maintain optimal tank parameters
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 2.5 inches
- salinity
- SG 1.020–1.025
- minTankSize
- 30 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C