Common name: Damselfish
The Pomacentridae family, commonly known as damselfish, is a vibrant and diverse group of marine fish that are popular among aquarium enthusiasts. These small to medium-sized fish are known for their bright colors and active behavior, making them a lively addition to any saltwater aquarium. Damselfish are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world, particularly in coral reef environments.
One of the most appealing aspects of damselfish is their hardiness, which makes them ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They are generally easy to care for, requiring standard marine aquarium conditions such as stable water parameters and good filtration. However, they can be territorial and aggressive, especially in smaller tanks, so careful consideration of tank mates is important. Providing plenty of hiding places and territories can help mitigate aggressive behavior.
Damselfish exhibit a fascinating range of behaviors and social structures. Some species form symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms, such as anemones or corals, offering protection in exchange for food. Their diet in captivity typically consists of a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen foods, ensuring they receive a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
Scientifically, damselfish are of interest due to their ability to adapt to different environmental conditions and their role in coral reef ecosystems. They contribute to the health of coral reefs by controlling algae growth and providing food for larger predators. With over 300 species, the Pomacentridae family offers a wide array of choices for hobbyists looking to add color and activity to their marine setups.
- Common name: Hawaiian SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf abdominalis
- Common name: Bengal SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf bengalensis
- Common name: Galapagos Sergeant MajorScientific name: Abudefduf conformis
- Common name: African SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf hoefleri
- Common name: Canary DamselScientific name: Abudefduf luridus
- Common name: Natal SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf natalensis
- Common name: Sergeant MajorScientific name: Abudefduf saxatilis
- Common name: Scissortail SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf sexfasciatus
- Common name: Blackspot SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf sordidus
- Common name: False-eye SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf sparoides
- Common name: Night SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf taurus
- Common name: Indo-Pacific SergeantScientific name: Abudefduf vaigiensis
- Common name: Spiny ChromisScientific name: Acanthochromis polyacanthus
- Common name: Golden damselScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon aureus
- Common name: Green sergeantScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon batunai
- Common name: clouded damselfishScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon curacao
- Common name: Yellowfin damselScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus
- Common name: White-belly damselScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster
- Common name: Blackback ButterflyfishScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon melanopterus
- Common name: Orbicular damselScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon orbicularis
- Common name: Ternate damselScientific name: Amblyglyphidodon ternatensis
- Common name: Black-banded demoiselleScientific name: Amblypomacentrus breviceps
- Common name: Skunk ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion akallopisos
- Common name: Barrier Reef AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion akindynos
- Common name: Allard's ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion allardi
- Common name: Two-banded ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion bicinctus
- Common name: Chagos ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion chagosensis
- Common name: Mauritian ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion chrysogaster
- Common name: Orange-fin AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion chrysopterus
- Common name: Clarkii ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion clarkii
- Common name: Red Saddleback AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion ephippium
- Common name: Tomato ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion frenatus
- Common name: Seychelles AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion fuscocaudatus
- Common name: Wideband AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion latezonatus
- Common name: Madagascar AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion latifasciatus
- Common name: Whitebonnet AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion leucokranos
- Common name: Whitesnout AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion mccullochi
- Common name: Cinnamon ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion melanopus
- Common name: Blackfinned ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion nigripes
- Common name: Ocellaris ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion ocellaris
- Common name: Oman AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion omanensis
- Common name: Percula ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion percula
- Common name: Pink Skunk ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion perideraion
- Common name: Saddleback ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion polymnus
- Common name: Australian AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion rubrocinctus
- Common name: Orange Skunk ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion sandaracinos
- Common name: Sebae ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion sebae
- Common name: Thielle's ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion thiellei
- Common name: Three-Band AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion tricinctus
- Common name: Yellow Axil ChromisScientific name: Chromis abrupta
- Common name: Midget chromisScientific name: Chromis acares
- Common name: Agile chromisScientific name: Chromis agilis
- Common name: White-spotted chromisScientific name: Chromis albomaculata
- Common name: Allen's chromisScientific name: Chromis alleni
- Common name: Yellow-speckled chromisScientific name: Chromis alpha
- Common name: Ambon chromisScientific name: Chromis amboinensis
- Common name: yellow chromisScientific name: Chromis analis
- Common name: Black-axil chromisScientific name: Chromis atripectoralis
- Common name: Blue Green Reef ChromisScientific name: Chromis bami
- Common name: blue chromisScientific name: Chromis cyanea
- Common name: Deep-reef pullerScientific name: Chromis delta
- Common name: bicolor damselfishScientific name: Chromis dimidiata
- Common name: yellowtail reeffishScientific name: Chromis enchrysura
- Common name: Arabian chromisScientific name: Chromis flavaxilla
- Common name: Malayan chromisScientific name: Chromis flavipectoralis
- Common name: yellow demoiselleScientific name: Chromis fumea
- Common name: Hawaiian bicolor chromisScientific name: Chromis hanui
- Common name: Olive damselfishScientific name: Chromis insolata
- Common name: Pacific Half-and-half ChromisScientific name: Chromis iomelas
- Common name: Yellow ChromisScientific name: Chromis jubauna
- Common name: Scaly chromisScientific name: Chromis lepidolepis
- Common name: White-tailed chromisScientific name: Chromis leucura
- Common name: Damsel fishScientific name: Chromis limbata
- Common name: lined chromisScientific name: Chromis lineata
- Common name: Lubbock's chromisScientific name: Chromis lubbocki
- Common name: bicolor chromisScientific name: Chromis margaritifer
- Common name: Bigeye chromisScientific name: Chromis mirationis
- Common name: brown chromisScientific name: Chromis multilineata
- Common name: Yellowback pullerScientific name: Chromis nitida
- Common name: Okinawa chromisScientific name: Chromis okamurai
- Common name: Hawaiian chromisScientific name: Chromis ovalis
- Common name: Pemba chromisScientific name: Chromis pembae
- Common name: Blacksmith chromisScientific name: Chromis punctipinnis
- Common name: Black-bar chromisScientific name: Chromis retrofasciata
- Common name: Philippines chromisScientific name: Chromis scotochiloptera
- Common name: purple reeffishScientific name: Chromis scotti
- Common name: Ternate chromisScientific name: Chromis ternatensis
- Common name: Trispot chromisScientific name: Chromis trialpha
- Common name: Vanderbilt's chromisScientific name: Chromis vanderbilti
- Common name: Threespot chromisScientific name: Chromis verater
- Common name: blue-green chromisScientific name: Chromis viridis
- Common name: Yellow-axil chromisScientific name: Chromis xanthochira
- Common name: yellowfin chromisScientific name: Chromis xanthopterygia
- Common name: Black chromisScientific name: Chromis xanthura
- Common name: Buff chromisScientific name: Chromis xutha
- Common name: Yellowspot damselfishScientific name: Chrysiptera biocellata
- Common name: Blueribbon damselScientific name: Chrysiptera brownriggii
- Common name: Blueline demoiselleScientific name: Chrysiptera caeruleolineata
- Common name: Blue DevilScientific name: Chrysiptera cyanea
- Common name: Yellow-dipped damselScientific name: Chrysiptera hemicyanea
- Common name: Goldtail demoiselleScientific name: Chrysiptera parasema
- Common name: Pink demoiselleScientific name: Chrysiptera rex
- Common name: Rolland's demoiselleScientific name: Chrysiptera rollandi
- Common name: Sinclair's demoisselleScientific name: Chrysiptera sinclairi
- Common name: Springer's demoiselleScientific name: Chrysiptera springeri
- Common name: Starcki DamselScientific name: Chrysiptera starcki
- Common name: Talbot's demoiselleScientific name: Chrysiptera talboti
- Common name: Southseas DevilScientific name: Chrysiptera taupou
- Common name: Onespot demoiselleScientific name: Chrysiptera unimaculata
- Common name: Hawaiian dascyllusScientific name: Dascyllus albisella
- Common name: Humbug dascyllusScientific name: Dascyllus aruanus
- Common name: Cloudy damselScientific name: Dascyllus carneus
- Common name: grey humbugScientific name: Dascyllus marginatus
- Common name: blacktailed humbugScientific name: Dascyllus melanurus
- Common name: Reticulated dascyllusScientific name: Dascyllus reticulatus
- Common name: domino damselScientific name: Dascyllus trimaculatus
- Common name: Black-vent damselScientific name: Dischistodus melanotus
- Common name: White damselScientific name: Dischistodus perspicillatus
- Common name: Honey-head damselScientific name: Dischistodus prosopotaenia
- Common name: Monarch damselScientific name: Dischistodus pseudochrysopoecilus