Common name: Yellowspot damselfish
General information
The Twospot Damsel, Chrysiptera biocellata, is a small and vibrant fish that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. Known for its striking blue coloration and distinctive two black spots on the dorsal fin, this species adds both beauty and activity to a marine aquarium. They are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for beginners.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 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
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Easy Hardy and adaptable.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; flakes and frozen.
- Social
- Pair Pairs or small groups.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDamselfishChrysiptera
- SpeciesYellowspot damselfishChrysiptera biocellata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
- SynonymsAbudefduf biocellatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)Abudefduf zonatus (Cuvier, 1830)Chromis cinctus (Playfair, 1868)Chrysiptera zonatus (Cuvier, 1830)Chrysoptera biocellata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)Glyphidodon albocinctus Kner, 1867Glyphidodon antjerius fasciatus Günther, 1862Glyphidodon cingulatus Kner, 1867Glyphidodontops biocellatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)Glyphisodon albocinctus Kner, 1867Glyphisodon antjerius Cuvier, 1830Glyphisodon antjerius fasciatus Günther, 1862Glyphisodon balinensis Bleeker, 1849Glyphisodon biocellatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1825Glyphisodon cingulatus Kner, 1867Glyphisodon punctulatus Cuvier, 1830Glyphisodon rossii Bleeker, 1854Glyphisodon zonatus Cuvier, 1830Glyphisodon zonatus Peters, 1855Heliastes cinctus Playfair, 1868
Care
Twospot Damsels are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of tank conditions, but they do best in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. They can be territorial, especially towards conspecifics, so it's important to monitor aggression if keeping multiple individuals. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and high-quality commercial preparations will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Twospot Damsels are known to form pairs during the breeding season. They lay their eggs on a flat surface, and the male guards and tends to the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can occur, but raising the fry can be challenging due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.
Habitat
Chrysiptera biocellata is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. They inhabit shallow, coral-rich areas and lagoons, often seen darting among stony and soft corals. They are typically found at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 12 meters.