Common name: Arabian damsel

Scientific name: Pomacentrus arabicus Allen, 1991
Arabian Damsels (Pomacentrus arabicus) in the Red Sea, EgyptArabian Damsels (Pomacentrus arabicus) in the Red Sea, Egypt
Arabian Damsels in the Red Sea (Pomacentrus arabicus)Arabian Damsels in the Red Sea (Pomacentrus arabicus)

General information

The Arabian Damsel, Pomacentrus arabicus, is a small and vibrant fish that adds a splash of color to any reef aquarium. They are known for their resilience and adaptability, which makes them suitable for a variety of tank conditions. The Arabian Damsel has a striking blue body with a yellow tail, and as they mature, they develop a dark spot on their dorsal fin.

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 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
10 cm (4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Adaptable, but needs hiding spots
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet; flakes, pellets, frozen
Social
Harem Best in groups, with more females
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be territorial
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

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
    Damselfish
    Pomacentrus
  7. Species
    Arabian damsel
    Pomacentrus arabicus Allen, 1991

Care

Arabian Damsels are hardy fish that can thrive in a well-established aquarium with stable water conditions. They prefer a tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing on microalgae. While they are generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially towards conspecifics, so it's important to monitor their behavior when kept with other damselfish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Arabian Damsels are known to form breeding pairs or small harems. They are egg-layers, with the male preparing a nesting site where the female will deposit her eggs. The male then guards and tends to the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

The Arabian Damsel is native to the Western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They are commonly found in shallow reefs, often swimming in small groups among stony and soft corals.