Common name: black damselfish
General information
The Black Damselfish, Neoglyphidodon melas, is a small but striking marine fish known for its bold coloration and territorial behavior. Juveniles exhibit a vibrant blue color with a yellow tail, which gradually turns to a uniform dark color as they mature. This species is often confused with other damselfish, but can be distinguished by its unique color transition and fin structure.
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
- 16 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adapts well but can be territorial
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae and meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Best kept alone due to aggression
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and clams
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially as it matures
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDamsel FishNeoglyphidodon
- Speciesblack damselfishNeoglyphidodon melas (Cuvier, 1830)
- SynonymsAbudefduf melanopus (Bleeker, 1856)Abudefduf melas (Cuvier, 1830)Abudefduf rhomaleus Snyder, 1911Abudefduf xanthonotus (Bleeker, 1859)Chrysiptera xanthonota (Bleeker, 1859)Glyphisodon ater Cuvier, 1830Glyphisodon melanopus Bleeker, 1856Glyphisodon melas Cuvier, 1830Glyphisodon violaceus Brevoort, 1856Glyphisodon xanthonotus Bleeker, 1859Paraglyphidodon melanopus (Bleeker, 1856)Paraglyphidodon melas (Cuvier, 1830)
Care
Black Damselfish are hardy and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, making them suitable for beginners. However, their aggressive nature towards other tank mates, especially when establishing territory, should be considered when planning an aquarium community. They thrive in environments with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces.
Reproduction
In the wild, Black Damselfish are known to be territorial and will vigorously defend their breeding sites. They lay eggs on flat surfaces, which are then guarded by the male until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can be challenging due to their aggressive behavior.
Habitat
Neoglyphidodon melas is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer shallow, coral-rich areas and lagoons, often seen at depths of up to 12 meters.