Common name: Springer's demoiselle

Scientific name: Chrysiptera springeri (Allen & Lubbock, 1976)
Purple neon damselfish Chrysiptera springeriMarine fish
Springer damsel fishes, Chrysiptera springeri, sheltering around branching hardcoral, Acropora subglabra, Raja Ampat Indonesia.Springer’s Damsel (Chrysiptera springeri) on a Coral. Moalboal, Philippines

General information

The Springer's Damsel, Chrysiptera springeri, is a small and vibrant fish known for its striking blue coloration and energetic behavior. This species is named after Victor G. Springer, a renowned ichthyologist. It's a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
8 cm (3″)
Care level
Easy Hardy and adaptable
Diet
Omnivore Flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Social
Harem Best in groups, with more females
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred

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
    Springer's demoiselle
    Chrysiptera springeri (Allen & Lubbock, 1976)
  8. Synonyms
    Glyphidodontops springeri Allen & Lubbock, 1976

Care

Springer's Damsels are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. While they are generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially towards conspecifics or similar-looking fish. A varied diet of meaty foods and high-quality marine flake or pellet food will help maintain their vibrant coloration and health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Springer's Damsels are known to form harems consisting of one male and multiple females. They are egg-layers, with the male guarding and tending to the eggs until they hatch. Breeding in captivity is possible but not commonly reported.

Habitat

Springer's Damsels are native to the Western Pacific, where they inhabit shallow reefs and lagoons. They prefer areas with strong water movement and are often found at depths ranging from 1 to 12 meters.