Common name: Arabian damsel
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
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDamselfishPomacentrus
- SpeciesArabian damselPomacentrus 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.