Common name: Yellowtail Damselfish

Scientific name: Serolina delaria Poore, 1987
A yellowtail damselfish looking straight on to the camera. This pretty little guy was shot on a wild tropical reef in the Cayman Islands
Yellowtail damselfish swimming on reef
Juvenile yellowtail damselfishYellowtail Damselfish (Microspathodon chrysurus) Juvenile - Grenada

General information

The Yellowtail Damselfish, Chrysiptera parasema, is a small and vibrant fish that is popular among reef aquarists. Known for its striking blue body and bright yellow tail, this species adds a splash of color to any aquarium. They are hardy and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, making them suitable for beginners. However, they can become territorial, especially in smaller tanks or when mature.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers complex structures
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet, accepts most foods
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Arthropods
    Arthropoda
  3. Class
    Malacostracans
    Malacostraca
  4. Order
    Isopods
    Isopoda
  5. Family
    Serolid Isopods
    Serolidae
  6. Genus
    Peppermint Shrimp
    Serolina
  7. Species
    Yellowtail Damselfish
    Serolina delaria Poore, 1987

Care

Yellowtail Damselfish are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. These fish are omnivores 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 them healthy.

Reproduction

In the wild, Yellowtail Damselfish are known to lay their eggs in nests which are zealously guarded by the male until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can occur but raising the fry can be challenging due to their small size and specific feeding requirements.

Habitat

Yellowtail Damselfish are native to the Western Pacific, where they inhabit coral reefs and lagoons. They prefer shallow waters and are often found at depths ranging from 2 to 15 meters. Their natural distribution includes areas from the Philippines and Indonesia to northern Australia and the Solomon Islands.