Common name: Mamo
General information
The Peacock Damselfish, Pomacentrus pavo, is a small and vibrant fish that adds a splash of color to any reef aquarium. Known for its iridescent blue-green body and striking yellow tail, this species is a favorite among aquarists for its beauty and hardiness. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, they are often found in shallow reefs and lagoons.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 9 cm (3½″)
- Care level
- Easy Hardy and adaptable
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; accepts flakes
- Social
- School Best in groups
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at slow fish
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDamselfishPomacentrus
- SpeciesMamoPomacentrus pavo (Bloch, 1787)
- SynonymsChaetodon pavo Bloch, 1787Holocentrus diacanthus Lacepède, 1802Pomacentrus caudovittatus Schmidt, 1931Pomacentrus furcatus Thiollière, 1857Pomacentrus hainanensis Wang, 1941Pomacentrus notatus De Vis, 1884Pomacentrus pavoninus Bleeker, 1853Pomacentrus polynema Bleeker, 1853Pomacentrus suvarovensis Stead, 1907
Care
Peacock Damselfish are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. Aggressive towards other damselfishes, they should be kept with larger, non-aggressive tank mates or in a species-only setup. A varied diet of meaty foods and herbivore preparations will keep them healthy and vibrant.
Reproduction
In the wild, Peacock Damselfish are known to be territorial when breeding. Males prepare and guard nesting sites where females lay eggs. In the aquarium, breeding can occur if the environment is stable and there are distinct territories for males. The male will guard the eggs until they hatch, which usually takes about a week.
Habitat
Peacock Damselfish are found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, and from southern Japan to Australia. They prefer coral-rich areas and clear lagoons, typically at depths of 1 to 12 meters.