Common name: clouded damselfish
General information
The Curaao Damselfish, Amblyglyphidodon curacao, is a small, vibrant fish known for its striking blue body and contrasting yellow tail. It is a member of the family Pomacentridae, which includes other damselfish and clownfish. This species is not as commonly found in the aquarium trade as some of its relatives, but it can be a colorful addition to a reef or fish-only tank.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Social
- School
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusGolden damselfishAmblyglyphidodon
- Speciesclouded damselfishAmblyglyphidodon curacao (Bloch, 1787)
- SynonymsAbudefduf curacao (Bloch, 1787)Amblygliphidodon curacao (Bloch, 1787)Amblyglyphidodon curaco (Bloch, 1787)Amblyglyphidodon nudirostrum Fowler, 1944Amblyglyphisodon nudirostrum Fowler, 1944Ambyglyphidodon curacao (Bloch, 1787)Chaetodon curacao Bloch, 1787Glyphisodon smaragdinus Brevoort, 1856Glyphisodon trifasciatus Bleeker, 1847
Care
Curaao Damselfish are relatively hardy and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They are territorial and can become aggressive, especially in smaller tanks, so they should be provided with plenty of hiding spaces and live rock for territory establishment. They thrive on a diet that includes a variety of meaty foods and herbivore preparations.
Reproduction
In the wild, Curaao Damselfish are known to spawn on substrates where the male prepares a nest and courts the female. The male then guards the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with the right conditions and a well-established pair, spawning can occur.
Habitat
The natural habitat of the Curaao Damselfish is the coral reefs of the Western Atlantic, from the coast of Central America to the northern part of South America. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters deep.