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Four Stripe Damsel

Dascyllus melanurus

Family: Pomacentridae · Damselfish

Also known as: Four Bar Damselfish, Blacktail Dascyllus, Blacktail Humbug

Max Size

Min Tank

30 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Omnivore

Swims

All

About

The Four Stripe Damsel is a bold and attractive damselfish species featuring a crisp pattern of alternating black and white vertical bars across its body. With four distinct black bars set against a clean white background, it creates a striking visual effect that has earned it the nickname "humbug" among aquarists. This compact species reaches only about 3 inches in length, making it suitable for moderate-sized aquariums, though its temperament requires careful consideration when choosing tankmates.

In the wild, Dascyllus melanurus is found throughout the Western Pacific, where it inhabits branching coral colonies, particularly Acropora and Pocillopora species. Groups of juveniles hover closely above their host coral, darting back into the protective branches at the first sign of danger. This close association with branching corals makes them a natural fit for reef aquariums, where they display the same sheltering behavior among coral colonies or rockwork. Adults become less dependent on coral shelter and range further afield.

Like many Dascyllus species, the Four Stripe Damsel is extremely hardy and disease-resistant, tolerating a wide range of aquarium conditions. However, it shares the genus's tendency toward territorial aggression, particularly as it matures. While less overtly aggressive than the Domino Damsel, it will still defend its territory vigorously against similarly sized fish. Keeping a small group in a tank with sufficient rockwork and space helps distribute aggression. It is completely reef-safe and will not damage corals or invertebrates.

Feeding & Diet

Omnivore

Four Stripe Damsels are omnivorous feeders that consume zooplankton, algae, and small benthic organisms in the wild. In the aquarium, they readily accept marine flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. Include algae-based foods for nutritional balance. These unfussy eaters rarely refuse any food offered. Feed small amounts two to three times daily.

Compatibility

reef-safeaggressiveterritorialhardy

The Four Stripe Damsel is territorial and can be aggressive toward similarly sized fish, particularly other damselfish. It coexists best with moderately assertive species such as clownfish, tangs, and wrasses. Avoid housing with very small or timid fish that may be bullied. In sufficiently large tanks with ample rockwork, small groups can be maintained. Completely reef-safe with all corals and invertebrates.

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Breeding

Moderate

Four Stripe Damsels are substrate spawners. Males prepare nest sites on hard surfaces and court females with vigorous swimming displays. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until hatching, which occurs in approximately 3 days. Pelagic larvae are extremely small and require rotifers and phytoplankton as first foods. Spawning is common in captivity, but larval rearing demands specialized equipment.