Common name: Yellowtail Damselfish
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumArthropodsArthropoda
- ClassMalacostracaMalacostraca
- OrderIsopodsIsopoda
- FamilySerolid IsopodsSerolidae
- GenusPeppermint ShrimpSerolina
- SpeciesYellowtail DamselfishSerolina 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.