Common name: Onespot demoiselle

Scientific name: Chrysiptera unimaculata (Cuvier, 1830)
one spot demoiselle (chrysiptera unimaculata)

General information

The One-spot Demoiselle, Chrysiptera unimaculata, is a small and vibrant damselfish that adds a splash of color to any reef aquarium. It is known for its striking blue coloration and the distinctive black spot on the side of its body. This species is relatively hardy and can be a good 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 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
8 cm (3″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Adaptable, but needs hiding spots.
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet; flakes, pellets, frozen.
Social
Pair Pairs or small groups preferred.
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

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
    Onespot demoiselle
    Chrysiptera unimaculata (Cuvier, 1830)
  8. Synonyms
    Glyphidodon dispar Günther, 1862
    Glyphidodon hemimelas Kner, 1868
    Glyphidodontops unimaculatus (Cuvier, 1830)
    Glyphisodon filholi Sauvage, 1879
    Glyphisodon unimaculatus Cuvier, 1830

Care

One-spot Demoiselles are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of tank conditions, but they do best in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They are omnivorous and will accept a wide range of foods, including flake, frozen, and live foods. It's important to maintain good water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy.

Reproduction

Like many damselfish, the One-spot Demoiselle is known to breed in captivity. They lay their eggs on flat surfaces, where the male will guard and tend to them until they hatch. The fry can be raised on a diet of rotifers and later brine shrimp nauplii.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the One-spot Demoiselle ranges from shallow lagoons to coral-rich areas of the reef. They are commonly found at depths where light is abundant, which supports the growth of benthic algae and small invertebrates that make up their diet.

This species is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the central Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific Ocean.