Cloudy Damselfish

The Cloudy Damselfish is an understated and somewhat less aggressive member of the Dascyllus genus, named for its soft, cloud-like tan to grayish-white body that is often speckled with dark spots or mottling. Unlike the bold black-and-white patterns of its relatives such as the Four-Stripe or Domino Damsel, the Cloudy Damselfish presents a more subdued and natural appearance that blends attractively with reef rockwork. Adults reach about 3 inches in length.

In the wild, Dascyllus carneus is found throughout the Indian Ocean, from the coast of East Africa and Madagascar to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Seychelles. It inhabits sheltered reef areas, lagoons, and coral-rich slopes, where juveniles associate closely with branching corals such as Acropora and Pocillopora for shelter. Like other Dascyllus species, juveniles form tight aggregations among coral branches, creating an endearing sight on the reef. As they mature, individuals become more independent and territorial, though the Cloudy Damselfish is generally less aggressive than its closely related congeners.

In the aquarium, the Cloudy Damselfish offers a good balance of Dascyllus hardiness with a more manageable temperament. While it will still defend a chosen territory, its aggression is notably less intense than species like the Domino or Banded Damselfish. It is best suited for community reef tanks of 30 gallons or more, where it can be housed with a variety of moderately assertive tankmates. Provide branching coral structures or rockwork with multiple overhangs for shelter. The species is completely reef-safe and accepts all standard aquarium foods readily.