Common name: Yellowspot damselfish

Scientific name: Chrysiptera biocellata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Damselfish
    Pomacentridae
  6. Genus
    Damselfish
    Chrysiptera
  7. Species
    Yellowspot damselfish
    Chrysiptera biocellata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
  8. Synonyms
    Abudefduf biocellatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
    Abudefduf zonatus (Cuvier, 1830)
    Chromis cinctus (Playfair, 1868)
    Chrysiptera zonatus (Cuvier, 1830)
    Chrysoptera biocellata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
    Glyphidodon albocinctus Kner, 1867
    Glyphidodon antjerius fasciatus Günther, 1862
    Glyphidodon cingulatus Kner, 1867
    Glyphidodontops biocellatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
    Glyphisodon albocinctus Kner, 1867
    Glyphisodon antjerius Cuvier, 1830
    Glyphisodon antjerius fasciatus Günther, 1862
    Glyphisodon balinensis Bleeker, 1849
    Glyphisodon biocellatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1825
    Glyphisodon cingulatus Kner, 1867
    Glyphisodon punctulatus Cuvier, 1830
    Glyphisodon rossii Bleeker, 1854
    Glyphisodon zonatus Cuvier, 1830
    Glyphisodon zonatus Peters, 1855
    Heliastes 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.