Common name: Hawaiian dascyllus
General information
The Hawaiian Dascyllus, Dascyllus albisella, is a small and resilient damselfish species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is recognized by its dark body and the distinctive white spots that develop as it matures. This species is not as commonly kept as some other damselfishes, but it can be a hardy addition to a fish-only or a community reef aquarium with larger, non-aggressive tank mates.
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 to 8.4
- Average size
- 13 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Hardy, good for beginners
- Diet
- Omnivore Flakes, pellets, frozen foods
- Social
- School Best in groups, can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial with tank mates
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDascyllusDascyllus
- SpeciesHawaiian dascyllusDascyllus albisella Gill, 1862
- SynonymsDascyllus edmondsoni Pietschmann, 1934
Care
Hawaiian Dascyllus are relatively easy to care for due to their adaptability and hardiness. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. While they are omnivorous, their diet should include a variety of foods such as marine flakes, frozen or live brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp to maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
Like many damselfish, the Hawaiian Dascyllus is an oviparous species, with females laying adhesive eggs on substrates, which are then fertilized by the male. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding is possible but raising the larvae can be challenging due to their small size and specific feeding requirements.
Habitat
The Hawaiian Dascyllus is found exclusively in the Hawaiian archipelago, where it prefers shallow coral reefs and lagoons. It often associates with branching corals such as Pocillopora, which provide shelter and a substrate for spawning. In the wild, they are typically found at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 55 meters.