Black Damselfish

The Black Damselfish is a deceptively beautiful species that undergoes a dramatic transformation from a gorgeous juvenile to a formidably aggressive adult. Juveniles are stunningly attractive, displaying a velvety black body adorned with bright blue spots, blue-edged fins, and an overall iridescent shimmer that makes them irresistible to unsuspecting aquarists. However, as the fish matures to its full adult size of 5.5 inches, the blue ornamentation fades to a uniform jet black, and the temperament shifts from relatively manageable to intensely territorial and combative.

In the wild, Neoglyphidodon melas is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting coral-rich reef slopes and lagoons from the Philippines and Indonesia to Australia and the Central Pacific. Adults establish large territories centered around coral heads, aggressively driving away not only other damselfish but virtually any fish that enters their domain. This species has one of the most fearless and confrontational personalities of any small reef fish, readily challenging fish many times its own size.

In the aquarium, the Black Damselfish is supremely hardy and will thrive in almost any marine setup. The challenge lies entirely in managing its aggressive behavior. Adults will dominate tanks of 50 gallons or less and relentlessly harass tankmates, regardless of species. Only the largest, most assertive fish such as large tangs, triggerfish, and groupers are generally left alone. This species is best suited for aggressive community tanks, species-specific setups, or very large reef systems where other fish have ample room to avoid confrontation. Despite its aggression toward fish, it is completely reef-safe and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates.