
Yellowtail Blue Damsel Feeding Guide
- Diet: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Pellet / Tablet: Yes – Wet the pellets before introducing them to the tank. ...
- Live foods (fish, shrimp, worms): Sometimes, and useful to assist with treatment of disease or to encourage breeding.
- Vegetable Food: 10% of their diet.
- Meaty Food: 90% of their diet.
- Feeding Frequency: Several times per day.
What do Yellowtail Blue damsels eat?
Yellowtail Blue Damsels will go after most fish food including vitamin enriched flake food, frozen, freeze dried and live foods. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Is the yellowtail blue damsel the perfect fish for beginners?
Let’s dive a little bit deeper into what makes this species both perfect for beginners AND a species that many of us would probably be best to avoid. Common Names: Yellowtail Blue Damsel, Goldtail Demoiselle, Yellowtail Damsel. Max Size: 2-3 inches, 5-7.5 cm Diet: Omnivorous–will eat small meaty and vegetable-based foods.
Do yellowtail damsels need a large aquarium?
But what pleases aquarists most is that the Yellowtail Damsel is less aggressive and does not need as large of an aquarium as other Damsels. Native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, this member of the Pomacentridae family prefers multiple hiding places and peaceful tankmates.
Do yellowtail damselfish attack other fish?
Though most Yellowtail Damselfish will ignore other fish, invertebrates, or corals, some may be territorial towards its own kind or similar-sized fish. The Yellowtail Damsel is best kept in small groups of odd numbered fish in suitably sized systems.

What do yellow tail damsels eat?
The Yellowtail Blue Damselfish are omnivores. In the wild they feed on zooplankton, and will also consume other planktonic foods and algae. In the aquarium provide variety in their diet that includes plenty of proteins as well as some vegetable foods.
What do you feed damsel fish?
The Blue Damselfish is an omnivore, so their diet should be made up of live and frozen meat including brine shrimp, worms, squid, shrimp, copepods, and small pieces of fish. They will also eat flaked foods and some herbivore preparations.
Are yellowtail damsels aggressive?
Aggression. The Yellowtail Damselfish is an aggressive saltwater fish--some would say semi-aggressive, but in my experience, they will defend their territories from interlopers, which essentially is any other fish that wants to swim around the tank :).
How long do yellowtail damsels live?
They are best introduced last into the tank as well. The Yellowtail Blue Damsel is very hardy and eats almost anything contributing to its lifespan of up to five years.
How long can damselfish go without food?
As far as vacation feeding is concerned, it's generally safe to assume that most healthy (note the emphasis) fish will be fine for a few days to a week or so without eating depending on the species. Beyond that, you'll definitely want to make some accommodation to have the fish fed—even if just every two or three days.
How long do damsels live in captivity?
Their lifespan is an estimated 6 to 8 years in the wild, though some species may live 10 to 12 years in their natural habitats. In captivity they may live 18 to 20 years. These fish are members of the Pomacentridae family of Damselfish and Anemonefish.
How do you feed damsels?
Things to remember when feeding your damsel:Depending on species and size, feed small amounts two to three times daily, no more than fish will eat in 1 to 2 minutes.Thaw frozen food before feeding.
Can damselfish live with clownfish?
Clownfish are a species of Damselfish themselves. And many Damselfish tend to be territorial and aggressive towards one another as well as their tank mates. However the Chromis Damselfish are a notable exception to the trend.
Do damselfish eat algae?
Damselfish lack the digestive enzymes to process many kinds of algae, and members of the genus Polysiphonia are some of the few they can eat. The fish also act the gardener (Mr. McGregor, perhaps) in chasing away invaders like the sea urchin, the Peter Rabbit of the damselfish garden.
Can you mix different damselfish?
You can mix damsels, but a few you listed are monsters. The Azure, yellow tail, and Springer's are all good. Stay in that genus (Chrysiptera). You don't want anything in the Dascyllus genus (domino, white tail, 3/4 stripe), and you don't want any Neoglypidodon (Cross's) either.
What do you feed a blue damsel?
Vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, cyclops, frozen seafood, and herbivore flakes make a good diet for Blue Damselfish. Including color-enhancing flake foods in the diet helps to keep the fish looking vibrant and beautiful.
What fish can live with damsels?
To play it safe, stick with species from Chrysiptera like Azure, Talbot, Springer's, Rolland's, Yellowtail, Tracey's, Tuxedo (research, these look very similar to the striped damsels of the Dascyllus genus, you don't wanna end up with a Three-Stripe or Four-Stripe) maybe King (Chrysiptera Rex) demoiselles too.
What do butterfly fish eat?
Suitable Aquarium Foods Unless otherwise noted in individual species profiles, most all Butterflyfishes can be fed a varied diet of vitamin-enriched marine fish, crustacean, and mollusk flesh, mysid shrimp, and any appropriate frozen preparations suitable for carnivores.
Can damselfish live with clownfish?
Clownfish are a species of Damselfish themselves. And many Damselfish tend to be territorial and aggressive towards one another as well as their tank mates. However the Chromis Damselfish are a notable exception to the trend.
What is the difference between a yellowtail damselfish and an Azure damselfish?
The Yellowtail Blue Damselfish is sometimes confused with the Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) because they do look very similar. The Chrysiptera hemicyanea has more yellow on its body than the Chrysiptera parasema, which just has the yellow on its tail.
How aggressive are damsels?
Temperament / Behavior : Much like other damsels, this one can be moderately aggressive. Aggression can be lessened or spread out if you have 3 to 7 in your aquarium. They are often seen in singles on the reef around coral heads.
What is the best fish to fish in a new tank?
Azure Damselfish. Like most damselfish species, the Azure Damselfish is considered very hardy and often recommended to new hobbyists as a good first fish in new tanks. Chrysiptera cyanea. Blue Damselfish. This fish is also known as the "Blue Devil Damsel" due to it's temperament.
How big is a blue Devil Damsel?
This fish is also known as the "Blue Devil Damsel" due to it's temperament. It's a good thing these fish stay on the small side at around 3 inches (6 cm). Use caution when stocking a tank with these little devils.
Can you use yellowtail blue damsels in saltwater?
Yellowtailed Blue Damsel Care Level : Easy, good for saltwater beginners, but don't use them to cycle your tank. This is not needed with the use of live rock as the primary biological filter.
Can you use yellowtail damselfish to cycle a tank?
Try putting your arm in the tank to perform tank maintenance and you'll see what we're talking about. They are not shy. The Yellowtail Damselfish is particularly hardy and many hobbyists will use them to cycle a new tank. Using them to cycle your tank is not recommended because it is very cruel to the fish.
What do damselfish eat?
The vast majority of Damselfish are omnivores. They will eat both live and frozen food, in addition to flake food.
What color are damselfish?
One of the most well-known features of Damselfish is their vibrant color, ranging from red, yellow to blue.
What is the name of the half blue damselfish?
The Azure Damselfish ( Chrysiptera hemicyanea) is known as the Half-blue Damselfish. It has a bright blue top and bright yellow bottom-colored body.
How big does a blue damselfish get?
It will grow up to 3 inches in length and is bright blue in color. Males will have a yellow tail and snout, whereas juveniles and females don’t tend to have the yellow highlights. Interestingly, when threatened, the Blue Damselfish can turn almost completely black in a matter of seconds.
How big do damselfish fish get?
Their natural environment is in tropical coral reefs and they are lively and active fish. The majority of Damselfish grow to around 3 inches in length however large species, such as the Garibaldi, can grow up to 12 inches long. They are well known for their bright colors and aggressive, territorial nature.
How big do damsels get?
Like the Blue Damselfish it sports a blue body however this particular fish has a gorgeous yellow tail fin. It tends to grow up to 3 inches in length and is regarded as one of the best types of Damsel, because it’s one of the least aggressive.
How big do domino damsels get?
The domino Damselfish, also known as the three spot or Dascyllus trimaculatus, is named because of the white spots on its body. It will grow to 5 inches in size, but beware it is particularly aggressive and should be kept with care.
What do yellowtail blue damselfish eat?
For best care, it should also be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis and vitamin-enriched shrimp.
Where do yellowtail damsels live?
Native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, this member of the Pomacentridae family prefers multiple hiding places and peaceful tankmates. Though most Yellowtail Damselfish will ignore other fish, invertebrates, or corals, some may be territorial towards its own kind or similar-sized fish. The Yellowtail Damsel is best kept in small groups of odd numbered fish in suitably sized systems.
What is the best damselfish?
The Yellowtail Damselfish is extremely hardy and gorgeously colored. In fact, Chrysiptera parasema is considered by many aquarists, both beginning and advanced, to be the ultimate damselfish. This is partly because its jewel-blue body is contrasted by an energizing yellow tail. This color combination looks stunning against any backdrop of corals and live rock. But what pleases aquarists most is that the Yellowtail Damsel is less aggressive and does not need as large of an aquarium as other Damsels.
How big is a yellowtail damsel?
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 1-1/2".
Can damsels break in a tank?
This damsel is great for breaking in a tank, then being able to add other fish to the tank after the cycle. My damsel has survived two moves to bigger tanks, a couple of power outages and an earthquake. I swear if we had saltwater in our toilet bowls this guy could live there. They are very beautiful, easy to feed, and everyone loves their brilliant coloring. He is a great fish to add a little blue to a small tank.
Do yellowtail damsels need an aquarium?
But what pleases aquarists most is that the Yellowtail Damsel is less aggressive and does not need as large of an aquarium as other Damsels. Native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, this member of the Pomacentridae family prefers multiple hiding places and peaceful tankmates.
What fish can you have with Damselfish?
Damselfish can make good tankmates to peaceful fish such as gobies, dartfish, and fairy wrasses, as long as there is ample space for all your fish. Also make sure the peaceful fish are established in your tank first.
What to do if you house a semi aggressive fish?
If you house them with small semi-aggressive or aggressive fish, they should be monitored closely to make sure that they are not being bullied.
How much space do damselfish need?
Damselfish require a good amount of space. If you are keeping only a mated pair of damselfish and no other fish, the tank should be at least 20 gallons (75.7 liters) in volume. A tank housing more damselfish than that, as well as other types of fish, should be at least 45 gallons (170.3 liters) in volume, with at least 15 gallons (56.8 liters) ...
Why do damselfish fish need a water filter?
It is also important to have a water filter to keep the water clean and safe for your fish, and to create currents for gas exchange and removal of waste products.
What is a damselfish fish?
Damselfish are a omnivorous saltwater fish species that belong to the family Pomacentridae. In the wild, they mostly feed on plankton and are a coral reef-dwelling species, related to clownfish. Some members of this family are called chromis, but they are still grouped under the term ‘damselfish.’. Many damselfish species are popular fish ...
Can you keep a yellow tail damselfish in a tank?
Some keepers recommend keeping yellow tail damselfish or azure damselfish in an odd-numbered group, unless you have a tank that only houses a mated pair and no other fish. Mated pairs can become very territorial and aggressive to other fish.
FallenMonkey
I'm kinda new to these forums and saw Sandeep (who has a damn nice tank 5.5g) and el fabuloso (another very nice tank 3g) have yellow-tail damsels in their picos?
iFISTmoose
stick with one fish. as long as you buy a small damsel you should be good.
FallenMonkey
stick with one fish. as long as you buy a small damsel you should be good.
maverick
my experience with yellow-tails is that they can be terrirorial, but if there is not too much compention for space then it should be fine. and by the way they can outgrow a 5.5g i have one in my 55g that is about 4in. long
PSYS
I'm more concerned right now about adding corals. Obviously, I didn't buy a 3-gal. pico so I could worry abut what kind of fish I could get. But I think when the time comes, I'll definitely get a damsel.
Aeridne
I'm more concerned right now about adding corals. Obviously, I didn't buy a 3-gal. pico so I could worry abut what kind of fish I could get. But I think when the time comes, I'll definitely get a damsel.
Qwank
wait... damsels are ok in 3g picos also? dont they need room to swim? just asking because i was going to go with a clown goby in mine, but i'd rather have a damsel.

Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Theyellowtail Damselfish
- Scientific Name: Chrysiptera parasema
- Common Names: Yellowtail Blue Damsel,Goldtail Demoiselle, Yellowtail Damsel.
- Max Size: 2-3 inches, 5-7.5 cm
- Minimum tank Size: 20 Gallons, larger is likely better to encourage more peaceful community behaviors and not exaggerate territoriality
Natural Habitat
- The Yellowtail Damselfish is naturally found in areas of the Indian and Pacific oceans, around Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. They tend to be associated with thriving, high-density coral reefs, but can also be found in lagoons and inshore reefs. Chrysiptera parasema is a territorial fish that will squabble with neighbors and often finds itself on the menu of larger saltwater fish.
Ideal Aquarium Conditions and Care Requirements
- While this species is inexpensive, hardy, and tolerant of less-than-perfect aquarium conditions, that shouldn’t be considered permission for us not to try and meet their preferred husbandry requirements. As is the case with nearly all tropical reef fish that we care for, they tend to do best when the conditions in our saltwater tanks match that of the reefs: 1. Temperature:high 70s to l…
Aggression
- The Yellowtail Damselfish is an aggressive saltwaterfish--some would say semi-aggressive, but in my experience, they will defend their territories from interlopers, which essentially is any other fish that wants to swim around the tank :). If your goal is to have a peaceful community tank, it is generally best to avoid aggressive fish--however, the allure of these blue and yellow jewels can s…
Compatibility
- Due to their territoriality, the Yellowtail Damselfish won’t be compatible with many of the other saltwater aquarium fish you might otherwise hope to keep them with. Think of them as African Cichlids on steroids…hahaha. As is the case with African Cichlids, sometimes the best solution to the aggression is to keep them with a tank full of other similarly aggressive species, like Blue De…
Spawning and Reproduction
- In keeping with the comparisons with cichlids, Matthew Wittenrich reports that spawning is relatively easily accomplished with the Yellowtail Damselfish and other blue damsels. The species does exhibit sexual dimorphism, with mature males being larger than females, and with females taking on more of a rounded belly appearance (Wittenrich 2007). Expect aggression, when tryin…
Learn More About Damselfish
- If you have a few more minutes and want to learn more about a community tank appropriate damselfish, check out these:
Conclusions
- Are you torn about whether or not to add the Yellowtail Damselfish to your reef tank? I know the feeling. In some ways, they are the perfect saltwater fish. To be fair, they are likely one of the most well-suited to life in a home aquarium. It’s just their territoriality and aggression which can make them a bit challenging to keep. Aggressionis a real issue with them and they may terrorize som…
Damselfish Facts & Overview
Appearance
- There are more than 250 species in the Pomacentridae family. So as you can imagine their appearance can vary a lot from one species to another. However, as a general overview, Damselfish have deep bodies with forked tails; very similar to cichlids. They have two anal spines and generally have a single nostril on each side of their head. One of the most well-known featur…
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- As mentioned in the general overview you will find the majority of Damselfish living in tropical coral reefs, so your aquarium setup should be somewhat similar to this. The vast majority of Damselfish grow to 2-3 inches in size, so can be kept in small-medium sized aquariums. For instance, the Blue Damselfish can be housed in a 30-gallon aquarium. If you’re planning to keep …
Diet
- One of the appealing qualities of Damselfish is that they are very easy to feed and tend to eat just about anything placed into the tank. The vast majority of Damselfish are omnivores. They will eat both live and frozen food, in addition to flake food. We would like to mention though that certain species of Damselfish can be herbivores, so you shou...
Compatibility with Other Fish
- If you’ve read the typical behavior section above, you will know that Damsels are known for being very aggressive towards other fish. As a general rule, you shouldn’t try to keep different species of Damsels together in the same aquarium. You should keep to one species of Damsel per aquarium. If you’ve got a small aquarium it’s also generally a bad idea to mix other species with …
Is The Damselfish Right For Your Aquarium?
- Are you looking to add some vibrant color to your aquarium? If yes, the Damselfish could be for you. Their size, tough nature, and high availability, all make them an extremely popular choice for any aquarist. Their hardy nature makes them even more popular with beginners as it’s more resilient to common beginner mistakes such as stalled nitrogen cycles. As previously mentioned…