Common name: Singlebar devil
General information
The Blackbar Devil, scientifically known as Plectroglyphidodon leucozonus, is a small and colorful damselfish species that adds vibrancy to any marine aquarium. This species is known for its distinctive black vertical bar behind the head, which contrasts with its white anterior body and yellow to blue posterior.
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
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable but needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae and meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and clams
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive towards tankmates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDamselfishPlectroglyphidodon
- SpeciesSinglebar devilPlectroglyphidodon leucozonus (Bleeker, 1859)
- SynonymsAbudefduf atrapinna Seale, 1935Abudefduf cingulum (Klunzinger, 1871)Abudefduf corneyi Jordan & Dickerson, 1908Abudefduf leucozona (Bleeker, 1859)Abudefduf melanozonatus Aoyagi, 1941Abudefduf yamashinai Okada & Ikeda, 1937Chrysiptera yamashinai (Okada & Ikeda, 1937)Glyphidodon cingulum Klunzinger, 1871Glyphisodon leucozona Bleeker, 1859Plectrogliphidodon leucozonus (Bleeker, 1859)Plectroglyphidodon lecozoncus (Bleeker, 1859)Plectroglyphitodon leucozona (Bleeker, 1859)Plectroglypidodon leucozonus (Bleeker, 1859)
Care
Blackbar Devils are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. While they can be territorial, especially towards conspecifics, providing ample space can minimize aggression. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and quality marine flake or pellet food will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blackbar Devils are known to form harems consisting of a single male and multiple females. They are egg-layers, with the male guarding and tending to the eggs until they hatch. Breeding in captivity can be challenging but is possible with optimal water conditions and a stress-free environment.
Habitat
Plectroglyphidodon leucozonus is native to the Western Pacific, where it inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs. They are often found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters, where they associate with live coral for shelter and feeding.