Common name: black damselfish

Scientific name: Neoglyphidodon melas (Cuvier, 1830)
neoglyphidodon melas kapoposang indonesia diver scuba
Castagnola, Neoglyphidodon melas, nascosta tra i coralliblack damselfish (neoglyphidodon melas)

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

  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
    Damsel Fish
    Neoglyphidodon
  7. Species
    black damselfish
    Neoglyphidodon melas (Cuvier, 1830)
  8. Synonyms
    Abudefduf melanopus (Bleeker, 1856)
    Abudefduf melas (Cuvier, 1830)
    Abudefduf rhomaleus Snyder, 1911
    Abudefduf xanthonotus (Bleeker, 1859)
    Chrysiptera xanthonota (Bleeker, 1859)
    Glyphisodon ater Cuvier, 1830
    Glyphisodon melanopus Bleeker, 1856
    Glyphisodon melas Cuvier, 1830
    Glyphisodon violaceus Brevoort, 1856
    Glyphisodon xanthonotus Bleeker, 1859
    Paraglyphidodon 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.