Common name: grey humbug

Scientific name: Dascyllus marginatus (Rüppell, 1829)
Grey Humbug (Dascyllus marginatus) floats above sea grass, Red Sea, Dahab, Egypt, Africared sea dascyllus (dascyllus marginatus)
Marginate dascyllusRed Sea dascyllus Dascyllus marginatus hiding in a Stylophora coral

General information

The Marginate Dascyllus (Dascyllus marginatus) is a small, strikingly patterned damselfish known for its bold black and white coloration. It is a member of the family Pomacentridae, which includes other popular aquarium species such as clownfish and chromis. This species is appreciated for its hardiness and ease of care, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
100 liter (26 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
11 cm (4½″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Adapts well to aquarium life
Diet
Omnivore Enjoys varied diet, incl. flakes & frozen
Social
School Prefers groups, can be aggressive in pairs
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be territorial, especially in small tanks
Captive bred
No

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
    Dascyllus
    Dascyllus
  7. Species
    grey humbug
    Dascyllus marginatus (Rüppell, 1829)
  8. Synonyms
    Dascyllus marginatus marginatus (Rüppell, 1829)
    Pomacentrus marginatus Rüppell, 1829
    Tetradrachmum nmarginatum (Rüppell, 1829)

Care

Marginate Dascyllus are resilient fish that can adapt to a variety of aquarium conditions. They thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of live rock for shelter and territories. These fish are omnivores and will accept a wide range of foods, including frozen, flake, and live offerings. However, a balanced diet will promote their health and vibrant coloration.

Reproduction

Like many damselfish, Marginate Dascyllus are known to be territorial and may become aggressive during breeding. They lay their eggs on flat surfaces, often in the crevices of live rock. The male guards the eggs until they hatch, which typically occurs after several days.

Habitat

Marginate Dascyllus are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer shallow, coral-rich environments and are often observed in groups hovering above branching corals or within staghorn coral thickets.