BeginnerSemi-AggressiveReef SafeIUCN: Least Concern
Yellowtail Damselfish
Chrysiptera parasema
Family: Pomacentridae · Chromis & Damselfish
Also known as: Yellowtail Blue Damselfish, Goldtail Demoiselle, Azure Damselfish
(c) D. Hämmerli, all rights reserved
Max Size
3"
Min Tank
20 gal
Lifespan
5-8 years
Origin
Western Pacific, Philippines
Diet
Omnivore
Swims
Middle
Did You Know?
- The Yellowtail Damselfish is often recommended as a less aggressive alternative to the Blue Devil Damselfish, which shares a similar blue coloration but is notoriously territorial
- Males undergo a noticeable color intensification during courtship, with their blue becoming deeper and more vibrant to attract females
About
The Yellowtail Damselfish is one of the most attractive and beginner-friendly damselfish available in the marine aquarium hobby, featuring a stunning electric blue body that transitions into a bright golden-yellow tail. This vivid two-tone coloration gives it a clean, eye-catching appearance that rivals far more expensive species. Growing to a modest 3 inches, Chrysiptera parasema is a compact fish that brings a brilliant splash of color to even small reef aquariums. Unlike the notorious Blue Devil Damselfish (Chrysiptera cyanea), the Yellowtail Damselfish is considerably more manageable in terms of temperament, making it a popular choice for community reef tanks.
In the wild, Yellowtail Damselfish inhabit sheltered coral reefs and lagoons throughout the Western Pacific, where they are found in small groups hovering near branching corals at depths of 3 to 50 feet. They are omnivorous feeders that consume zooplankton, filamentous algae, and small benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium, they are hardy, disease-resistant fish that adapt quickly to captive conditions and accept virtually any prepared food. Their small size and resilience make them excellent candidates for cycling new aquariums, though modern fishless cycling methods are far more humane and recommended.
While the Yellowtail Damselfish is significantly less aggressive than many damselfish species, it is not entirely without territorial tendencies. Adults may become protective of their chosen area of the tank, particularly during spawning or when housed in smaller aquariums. This territorial behavior is generally manageable and rarely poses a serious threat to tankmates, especially in well-aquascaped tanks with plenty of rockwork and hiding spots. They are best kept singly or in small groups of 3 or more (odd numbers help diffuse aggression) in tanks of 30 gallons or larger. In smaller tanks of 20 gallons, a single specimen or a pair is recommended. The Yellowtail Damselfish is completely reef-safe and will not disturb corals, clams, or other invertebrates.
Feeding & Diet
Omnivore
Yellowtail Damselfish are omnivores that feed on zooplankton, filamentous algae, and small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they are unfussy eaters that eagerly accept marine flakes, micro pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped seafood. Supplement with Spirulina-based foods for balanced nutrition. Feed two to three times daily in small quantities for optimal health and coloration.
Compatibility
reef-safebeginner-friendlycommunity-compatiblehardysmall-tank-suitable
Yellowtail Damselfish are among the more peaceful damselfish species but can still become territorial, particularly in smaller aquariums. They coexist well with clownfish, tangs, wrasses, gobies, blennies, and other community reef fish. Avoid keeping with highly aggressive species that may bully them or with very timid species that may be stressed by their occasional territorial displays. In larger tanks, small groups create a natural dynamic. They are completely reef-safe and ignore corals and invertebrates.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Moderate
Yellowtail Damselfish are substrate spawners. The male prepares a nest site on a flat rock or patch of rubble and courts the female with vigorous swimming displays and color changes. After spawning, the male guards the nest of adhesive eggs for 3-4 days until hatching. Larvae are small and pelagic, requiring rotifers and phytoplankton as first foods. Spawning occurs regularly in captivity, and dedicated hobbyists have successfully reared larvae to settlement.
Special Requirements
- Provide rockwork with multiple hiding spots to reduce territorial stress
- Best kept singly in smaller tanks or in groups of 3+ in larger systems
- Hardy and disease-resistant - excellent for newer aquariums
- May become more territorial with age, especially in confined spaces
- Add before larger, more dominant species to establish territory safely
Water Parameters
Temperature72–80°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.026 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
blueyellow
Tags
reef-safebeginner-friendlycommunity-compatiblehardysmall-tank-suitable
