Common name: Giant damselfish
General information
The California Damsel, Microspathodon dorsalis, is a vibrant species of damselfish native to the Eastern Pacific. It is known for its striking blue coloration and assertive demeanor. Juveniles exhibit a brilliant blue hue with electric blue spots, which fade to a darker, more subdued tone as they mature. This species is not as commonly kept as some other damselfishes due to its territorial nature.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 22 cm (9″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & live rock
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae & meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and clams
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially as adults
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDamselfishMicrospathodon
- SpeciesGiant damselfishMicrospathodon dorsalis (Gill, 1862)
- SynonymsHypsypops dorsalis Gill, 1862Microspathodon azurissimus Jordan & Starks, 1895Microspathodon cinereus Gilbert, 1890Pomacentrus quadrigutta Gill, 1862
Care
California Damsels are hardy fish that can adapt to a variety of aquarium conditions. However, they are known for being territorial and may become aggressive, especially in smaller tanks. A larger aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces can help mitigate aggressive behavior. They are omnivorous and will accept a wide range of foods, including frozen, flake, and live offerings.
Reproduction
In the wild, California Damsels are known to be substrate spawners, laying their eggs in a carefully cleaned area, often on a flat rock. The male then guards the eggs until they hatch. Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare, but providing a stable environment with plenty of hiding spaces can encourage breeding behavior.
Habitat
Microspathodon dorsalis is found in rocky reefs and kelp forests from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They prefer areas with strong water movement and are typically found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 12 meters.