Common name: Mamo

Scientific name: Pomacentrus pavo (Bloch, 1787)
Blue damsel, Pomacentrus pavo, Kosrae Micronesia.
Blue dameselle (Peacock Damsel Pomacentrus pavo) on the reef.electric blue damselfish damsel fish

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

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
    Mamo
    Pomacentrus pavo (Bloch, 1787)
  8. Synonyms
    Chaetodon pavo Bloch, 1787
    Holocentrus diacanthus Lacepède, 1802
    Pomacentrus caudovittatus Schmidt, 1931
    Pomacentrus furcatus Thiollière, 1857
    Pomacentrus hainanensis Wang, 1941
    Pomacentrus notatus De Vis, 1884
    Pomacentrus pavoninus Bleeker, 1853
    Pomacentrus polynema Bleeker, 1853
    Pomacentrus 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.