Common name: longfin damselfish

General information

The Longfin Damselfish, scientifically known as Stegastes diencaeus, is a small, robust fish that is well-suited for the home aquarium. It is characterized by its elongated dorsal and anal fins, which give it a distinctive appearance compared to other damselfish. This species is known for its territorial behavior and can be quite aggressive, especially towards conspecifics and smaller fish species.

Care

Longfin Damselfish are hardy and adaptable, making them a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. It is important to provide a varied diet consisting of meaty foods, algae, and high-quality marine flake or pellet foods to maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Longfin Damselfish are known to be substrate spawners, laying their eggs on flat surfaces where the male will guard and tend to them until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can be a challenging endeavor due to their aggressive nature during spawning.

Habitat

Stegastes diencaeus is found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, often establishing territories around stony corals or sea fans. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 55 meters.