Common name: Whitetail damsel

Scientific name: Pomacentrus chrysurus Cuvier, 1830
Whitetail Dascyllus (Dascyllus aruanus, aka Humbug Damselfish, Three Stripe Damsel). Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia
Dascyllus aruanus, known commonly as the whitetail dascyllus or humbug damselfishCloudy dascyllus fish and Whitetail dascyllus fish

General information

The Yellowtail Damselfish, Pomacentrus chrysurus, is a small and vibrant fish that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. Known for its striking yellow tail and blue body, it adds a splash of color to any tank. This species is relatively hardy and can be a good choice for both beginner and advanced aquarists.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 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
8 cm (3″)
Care level
Easy Hardy and adaptable
Diet
Omnivore Flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Social
School Best in groups, peaceful schooling
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred

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
    Whitetail damsel
    Pomacentrus chrysurus Cuvier, 1830
  8. Synonyms
    Glyphidodon luteocaudatus Saville-Kent, 1893
    Pomacentrus flavicauda Whitley, 1928
    Pomacentrus hogoleuensis Hombron & Jacquinot, 1853
    Pomacentrus luteocaudatus (Saville-Kent, 1893)
    Pomacentrus rhodonotatus Bleeker, 1853
    Pomacentrus rhodonotatus Cuvier, 1830
    Pomacentrus rhodonotus Bleeker, 1853

Care

Yellowtail Damselfish are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of tank conditions, but they do best in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They are omnivorous and will accept a wide range of foods, including flake, frozen, and live foods. It's important to maintain good water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy.

Reproduction

In the wild, Yellowtail Damselfish are known to be territorial and will vigorously defend their breeding sites. They lay their eggs on flat surfaces, and the males typically guard the eggs until they hatch. In the home aquarium, breeding can occur, but raising the fry can be challenging due to their small size and specific dietary needs.

Habitat

Pomacentrus chrysurus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the central Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, and Australia. They inhabit coral-rich areas and lagoons, usually at depths of 2 to 15 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with live rock structures and moderate water flow can help promote natural behaviors.