Common name: Sulfur damsel

Scientific name: Pomacentrus sulfureus Klunzinger, 1871
Sulphur damsel ( Pomacentrus sulfureus) Taken in Red Sea, Egypt.Sulfur damsel
Sulphur damsel (Pomacentrus sulfureus) and polyp stony coral Acropora squarrosa undersea, Red Sea, Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq BayYellow coral fish on the background of corals, Pomacentrus sulfureus

General information

The Sulphur Damsel, scientifically known as Pomacentrus sulfureus, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color to any marine aquarium. This species is part of the Pomacentridae family, which is known for the many colorful damselfish that are popular in the aquarium trade. The Sulphur Damsel is distinguished by its bright yellow body and a small black spot on the dorsal fin.

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
Moderate to easy Adaptable but needs hiding spots
Diet
Omnivore Flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Social
School Best in groups, can be territorial
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive Territorial, especially in small tanks
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
    Sulfur damsel
    Pomacentrus sulfureus Klunzinger, 1871
  8. Synonyms
    Pomacentrus grandidieri Steindachner, 1891
    Pomacentrus scintillans Smith, 1955

Care

Sulphur Damsels are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and advanced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. While they are generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially towards conspecifics or smaller fish. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and high-quality marine flake or pellet food will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

Like many damselfish, Sulphur Damsels are oviparous and exhibit parental care. Males prepare and guard nesting sites where females lay eggs. The male then protects the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their territorial nature during spawning.

Habitat

Sulphur Damsels are found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Philippines, and north to Japan. They prefer shallow, coral-rich areas and lagoons, often swimming in small groups or pairs.