Juvenile Damsel in Transition- or Adult In Full Bloom? Damsel ID) 05/11/08 Hi crew. <Hey there! Scott F. in tonight!> Hope you are all well. I was wondering if you could ID this Damsel for me, please. Sorry the picture is great. Thanks Ben <Well, Ben- it's not as easy as you might think! I'm pretty confident that it's in the genus Pomacentrus, but I can't nail down the exact species. It has an ocelli (eye spot) at the bas of the dorsal fin, which is found on many Pomacentrus species as juveniles, and several others as adults. If it's an adult, I'm leaning towards the rather obscure P. adelus, but it might very well be an juvenile of any number of species in the genus. Might be easier to identify later if this fish is, indeed a juvenile Hope this helps point you in the right direction! Regards, Scott F.>

Damsels Will Be Damsels...!   9/30/06
Hi!
<Hi there! Scott F. here today!>
I just set up a new 29 gallon BioCube tank (my first tank) and when the tank was ready for fish, I bought a Hi Fin Goby and a wild-caught Percula Clownfish.  After two days the clownfish jumped into the filter system along the back of the tank and died (the goby jumped the back of the tank too, but he came through OK).
<Yikes...sorry to hear about the Clown.>
I put up a plastic barrier to prevent this from happening again and ordered a tank raised clownfish from the LFS.
<Good moves.>
In the mean time, I bought a Yellow/Golden Damsel to help "feed" the live sand and rock.  He's very fun to watch (my cats love him) and both the Goby and Damsel are eating well.  They've been together for a few days and at first it didn't look like the Damsel was chasing the Goby or exhibiting aggressive behavior, but yesterday I noticed that the Goby's "hi fin" had been chewed down. Will the Goby's fin grow back on its own or is there something else I need to do to make sure he's OK (i.e., add vitamins or antibiotics).
<In all likelihood, the damaged fin will grow back. However, you do want to keep very stable, clean water conditions to prevent the possibility of infection. Also, I'll be that the Damsel had something to do with this fin damage...And it may be repeated as long as the Damsel is in the system!>
What should I do about the damsel? I would ultimately like to get a Royal Gramma and/or Spotted Mandarin to go with the Clown and Goby, along with some coral and inverts.  Will the damsel be too much of a problem in this mix?
<Quite probably. Damsels of many species have a well-deserved reputation for aggressiveness. I'm not sure which species you have (a number of different species go by the common moniker, "Yellow Damsel", so pics or a scientific name would help, but it's almost always a safe bet to assume the worst (in regards to aggressiveness) when keeping these fish!>
Any help would be greatly appreciated! - Linda
<Well, Linda- I'd consider either not adding the more peaceful fish that you are considering, or perhaps setting up a new tank for the Damsel to rule! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Black Cap Damselfish info... ID   2/14/06
I just recently purchased a Black Cap Damselfish from
my LFS and cannot locate any info on the web regarding
this particular Damselfish. Any suggestions?
<Mmm, this descriptor doesn't come to mind, nor come up in a Google search, on/off WWM, nor fishbase.org... You can read through these resources by family (Pomacentridae... there are some 375 or so species though)... there are a few damsels that bear a "black cap". Bob Fenner>

Damsel ID 7/20/05
WWM and Crew: First and foremost, thanks for this site! No aquarist should be without it, especially us pseudo-beginners!
<Are there such folks?>
If you have time, I need some help with a damsel ID. I went to the LFS yesterday with the intent of buying some blue-green Chromis, and of course they had none. In the tank labeled "Green Chromis" (which he certainly is NOT), there was this cute lil bugger that I couldn't identify. He is the exact same size and shape as the yellow-tailed blues next to him, and I assume he was mistakenly shipped with them. I know I shouldn't buy fish (especially damsels) that I'm not familiar with, but he was just too interesting. On to the description:
He is tannish/pinkish, to almost purple...sometimes (he seems to change a lot). He has a clear caudal fin, and blue-tipped pelvic fins. On his dorsal fin is a black spot, surrounded by iridescent blue. I've looked all over the internet, and the closest I can come are these: one-spot damsel, obscure damsel, Indonesian damsel. Any idea?
<From your description, could be one of these>
I'd like to be able to research him, but can't find much info. I'm desperately hoping he doesn't become a holy terror! TIA,
Jodie Bivens
<Please send along a pic or two if you can. Bob Fenner>

Hawaiian Damselfish
My local aquarium store has a damsel that I have never seen before. It is listed as a Hawaiian White Damsel and sells for $19.99. I am trying to find out some information on its care, behavior and adult size. I looked at the white damsel listed on your site and I am not sure if it is the same. Can you give me some insight? Caryn
< Take a look at a Hawaiian damselfish by the scientific name Dascyllus albisella on fishbase.org. It feeds on small invertebrates and gets about 5 inches long.-Chuck.>

20 ga. Filtration & Stock
Hello,
<Hi there>
I kept a 20ga saltwater tank several years ago, but took it down when I moved out of state. At that time, filtration consisted of an undergravel powered by the intake of a Skilter 250 that hung on the back (the Skilter's intake tube was inserted into the undergravel lift tube).
<We've come a long way baby>
I started this tank up again a few weeks ago in my new home and would appreciate some feedback.
<I'd look around re gear upgrades... get a bigger tank...>
I've added a Marineland Eclipse2 hood this time (cartridge/bio-wheel setup), and am also running the undergravel with a strong powerhead for additional filtration and aeration. I have not employed the Skilter this time because the tank's new position is such that it can be viewed from all four sides, hence I am trying to avoid "hang on" parts. 
<Mmm, might add a sump/refugium, remote a/the skimmer there...>
The tank is fish-only and contains no live rock. The only inhabitants at this time are a tiny yellow-tail damsel and a flame angel. 
<Too small a volume for the latter>
I anticipate eventually adding one, maybe two more small fish at most. Possible future inhabitants might be a six-line wrasse, either a bicolor or a purple Pseudochromis, or perhaps some type of clown (although I am reluctant to subject most of the little guys to life without an anemone).
<Mmm... too much to say that has already been written, recorded on our root web here... I would read before making these additions... assertions>
I would very much appreciate your feedback regarding both my filter system and the potential additions to my community tank.
<UG filtration can work, as can small (less than forty gallons, my arbitrary number) systems... but Flame Angels, more than one damsel... not a good bet. Do read over on WWM re the possibility of adding external gallonage at least, keep in mind maybe making the 20 itself into this to service a larger tank. Welcome back to the hobby. Bob Fenner>
By the way, can you tell me the true name for the yellow-tail damsel? I've seen various sources call it Chromis xanthurus, Chrysiptera parasema, and Chrysiptera hemicyanea. Which is correct?
<Please see here: http://wetwebmedia.com/chrysiptera.htm.  Chrysiptera cyanea is by a large margin the most common "Blue Damsel", though other Blue (Chromis viridis principally) are sold as such. C. parasema is the most common "Yellow Tail Blue Damsel", though there are other species sold as such regionally, seasonally... C. hemicyanea is rarely offered in the trade.>

The Vagaries of Damselfish Taxonomy (4/4/05)
Hello crew! 
<Hi. Steve Allen with you tonight.>
I am a little confused with blue damsel classification. 
<You're not the only one.> 
As far as I know (correct me if I am wrong) Chrysiptera cyanea is a blue damselfish with black stripes on the 'face' and a nice black dot at the base of the spinal fin. This dot is quite far from the edges of the fin (~1-2 mm). Adult males develop orange tail and go under the name of "orange-tail damsel" while still having the dot. As far as I understand juveniles all have this dot? 
<There seems to be some disagreement as to what this species is on different sites. I would call this definitive: Chrysiptera cyanea >
If there is a dot at the base of the spinal fin, but at the edge of the fin, is this a different species? How you can distinguish the Pomacentrus coelestis (or Dascyllus coelestis?)? Chrysiptera springeri ? Abudefduf assimilis (or Abudefduf cyaneus?)? Is the coloration dependent on collection place? 
<Color morphs do occur within single species based on location and other factors. Also, classifications can be changed over time. I'd suggest you go to www.fishbase.org and search on the species you listed. There are also ways to search there based on characteristics.> 
<<Editor's note: Often special differentiation is determined via ray count of unpaired fins, etc.>>
Can fish collected from different ecosystems be interbred? (assuming the same scientific name) 
<Presumably, since they must be able to breed in order to be in the same species. Some close species interbreed, which leads to hybrids that may or may not be able to reproduce -- just like the mule, which is a cross between a horse and a donkey that cannot reproduce.> 
Thanks a lot for your help. Sincerely, Rony. 
<I hope this helps.> 

Damsel ID
Hi Bob,
<James for Bob today>
I bought a damselfish a couple of days back and I'm hesitating to include it into my system. Reason was because I could neither ID in your website nor any other. Would you be kind enough to help me. Please find attached picture for your reference. <Email w/photo not found>
<Not a real good pic to ID, but from what I see, it looks like a member of the Dischistodus genus. Here is a link with photos on the damsel family. You may be able to make a better ID since the fish is in front of you. Well my copy/paste isn't working again, but type in the keyword Damselfish and take a look there. James (Salty Dog)> 

Chromis and damsels
Hi again,
<< Hi there. >>
Sorry to be a pest, but I have been reading you site for about 6 hours now
and have stumbled upon your damselfish and Chromis. Might be a stupid
question but are they the same species? << Chromis are a type of damselfish. >> I have been told that mixing damsels
with my Chromis was a bad idea, but I have been fascinated with the 4 stripe
damsel. << I have no idea why anyone told you not to mix them.  I think they do great together.  Both are very easy to keep, and make great beginner fish. >> Can they go with the fish I currently have in my tank or are they
too aggressive?
Thanks for your help on the first question. << Many damsels, like the 4 stripe, are quite aggressive.  Therefore many hobbyists stay away from them.  However, they are easy to keep and great beginner fish. >>
Cierah
<<  Blundell  >>

New Damsel species?
Hi gang:
<Chuck>
My LFS recently stocked some fish labeled "Blue reef Chromis". They were a
beautiful electric blue. . . with fully developed, almost exaggerated lyre
tails. . . and a bit of black up around the dorsals. Probably 4-1/2 inches
from stem-to-stern.
<That's a larger species!>
I've never seen these at any of the stores/importers in
the LA area. . . and don't remember them from any books. They seemed to
school. . . maybe not so much as the common 'green' Chromis. . . and it was
hard to be sure in the heavily stocked display tank they were housed in. I
assume these are some sort of damsels. Any comments on these critters'
behavior and/or special needs? Is that wonderful blue color likely to
survive in captivity? Even if they're reef compatible and not too
aggressive, I'll have to wait till I see them available again: The half
dozen I saw were sold out in no time.
Chuck
<Time to send you through a search of our Damsel coverage: http://wetwebmedia.com/damsels.htm
Take a look through the pix there... and on to Gerald Allen's works if you don't see it. Bob Fenner>

ID a fish, please 2/6/04
Here's another picture I just took Paul. You know, I think you are right about them being Damsels, only because I remember them being so cheap! <From the look of the picture it looks like it is Amblyglyphidodon ("Am-blee-gliph-id-oh-don") damsel! See the similarities here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/amblyglyphidodon.htm> But now, I just want to get rid of them. They're not very attractive. <Not so bad, me thinks> I'm going to the net now to look up the Leucetta sponge. Thanks for chatting with me! <Thanks for being part of it all ~Paul>
  Pam

A What Kind of Damsel?
>I purchased four of these and was told that they were deepwater Indo-Pacific and they will get big.  They look like Anthias fish.  Is there a good site to find out more on them? thanks, BB
>>Not that I can find (doing the usual Google and fishbase.org searches).  You'll do well to search http://www.fishbase.org on your own to find something that matches, as this is a completely unknown (or un-findable) common name.  Otherwise, treat as damsels.  Marina

Re: Fiji damsel
>Hi Marina (and crew of course)
>>Good morning, Connie!
>I read your response today to someone telling them about one of your fishes, a Fiji damsel.  I have checked all the suppliers on line that I know about and haven't found any info.  Could you tell me where you acquired this pretty fish???
>>Oh my, that would have been Bob's department, as I'd never seen the fish until I worked with him some ten years ago or so.  They came in a shipment he'd ordered, but I'm going to do a quick search and see what I can find.  Ok, so far I'm finding that the pink and yellow damsel I have been calling "Fiji" is something else entirely from what most others are calling "Fiji"!  O!  Lament the common names!  But I'm not finished yet.  
>Thanks so much for your help, Marina.  Connie
>>You're welcome, now let's see what I can find for you!  Here's something close, but it's not the same fish http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Neoglyphidodon&speciesname=nigroris
>>Here's a pretty one, but not the one I was talking about...BOB!  LOL  http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Chrysiptera&speciesname=bleekeri
>>This one demonstrates the posterior dorsal fin spot, but on the animal I'm thinking of it wasn't ringed, still, beautiful http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Pomacentrus&speciesname=vaiuli
>> http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Chrysiptera&speciesname=rex
>>Well, that's it for my search.  We'd have to ask Bob if he remembers this little fish at all, because I've now spent the better part of 45 minutes with no luck finding the exact fish I remember, nothing even *quite* close.  I am very sorry, too!  Marina

Damsel ID/Info
I hate to even ask this without a pic, but my LFS got in some damsels that I
had never seen before.  
<A good photo is a tremendous help...but...I'll hazard a guess anyway>
They look exactly like the pic on your site of
Pomacentrus chrysurus, but their bodies show no blue (they are approximately
the color of the brown stripes on a Dischistodus prosopotaenia).
<Many of the damselfishes in the Pomacentrus genus are blue...but not the critter that you specified>
Could these be stressed/juvenile Pomacentrus chrysurus?  
<Not IMO...I am going out on a limb and venturing a semi-educated guess at what you have seen: I think it is the adult Pomacentrus chrysurus or...how about an alternative?...a Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus damselfish. That's "fancy fish talk" for a Jewel Damselfish. The Jewel is an olive green/brown fish with a few colorful spots along the head and the dorsal fin area, thus the "Jewel" in the common name>
The guy at the LFS I spoke to said that they didn't like getting them in because they had such a high mortality rate; is there any cause for this?  
<Really? Interesting <G> I think I would try a different supplier for these fish. Normally, damselfishes are one of the toughest fish that you can buy. They are very disease resistant, particularly Pomacentrus. I hasten to add that wild-caught clownfish (Amphiprion and Premnas) are often imported with parasites/disease but are hardy once established in a stable system.>
I've been through the Pomacentrus article and FAQ and I couldn't find any specific info about behavior/feeding/etc. of Pomacentrus chrysurus.  
<Well for starters...Remember that nearly all damselfishes are quite territorial and have the potential to harass their own kind as well as other more peaceful fish. If you have a large tank you can house an odd numbered school of damsels (Pomacentrus) but if your tank is small (under 55 gallons), just one. Feeding is easy...they are carnivorous and herbivorous. They will eat and stay healthy by consuming meaty items of marine origin as well as picking at whatever algae is growing in your tank>  
If you could share any info you might be privy to, I would be grateful :).
Thanks,
Laura
<You are very welcome. I hope I've helped...David Dowless>

Jewel damsel
I recently purchased a Jewel Damsel.  Upon doing more research on the
animal, however, I have discovered that there are actually two different
types of Jewel Damsels, with species names  Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus
and Microspathodon chrysurus (Atlantic Jewel Damsel).  After reading your
article I understand that the latter gets quite large.  I do not want this
for my tank.  I've looked at pics for both, and I cannot seem to tell them
apart (at least when they are juveniles).  Can you give me any help here.
Many Thanks,
A
<Mmm, they're both pictured and described on WetWebMedia.com and fishbase.org... As juveniles M. chrysurus is much more brightly colored and it is by far more common in the hobby than the Pacific damsel. Bob Fenner>

Re: jewel damsel
Thanks Bob.  I've come to the conclusion that it is Microspathodon
chrysurus.  I have netted it and hope to bring it back to the fish store.
It was quite the terror.
<Yikes... this species can be VERY territorial.>
   Netting it was a whole adventure in and of
itself.....suffice it to say that it took a krill soaked in garlic
supplement and a very large net.
_A
<Yum, now I'm getting a tasty chemical memory. Hope that's not a large net I see in the kitchen! Bob Fenner>