Springer's Damselfish

Springer's Damselfish is a jewel-like species that packs an extraordinary amount of visual impact into its tiny two-inch frame. Its body is a deep, luminous sapphire blue accented by bold vertical black bars or bands that create a striking graphic pattern unlike any other commonly available damselfish. Depending on the fish's mood, lighting conditions, and geographic origin, the blue can range from a rich cobalt to an almost electric neon blue, and the black banding may vary in intensity and width. This distinctive patterning has earned it the alternative common name 'Blue Sapphire Damselfish.'

In the wild, Springer's Damselfish is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around Indonesia and the Philippines, where it inhabits shallow coral reefs and rubble areas. It is typically found in small groups associated with branching corals and rocky crevices at relatively shallow depths. Its small territory size and moderate temperament make it one of the better-behaved members of the damselfish family, displaying territorial chasing that is brief and rarely escalates to the sustained aggression for which larger damselfish species are notorious.

Springer's Damselfish is an ideal reef aquarium candidate for beginners, combining exceptional coloration, small adult size, complete reef compatibility, and outstanding hardiness. Its maximum size of approximately two inches makes it one of the smallest and most manageable damselfish available, suitable for nano reef tanks as small as 20 gallons. While it may occasionally chase fish that venture too close to its preferred hiding spot, its small size limits the impact of any territorial behavior. Multiple individuals can be kept together in larger tanks provided they are introduced simultaneously and given adequate rockwork with separate hiding spots.