Jewel Damsel

The Jewel Damsel is a Caribbean native that undergoes one of the most dramatic color transformations in the damselfish family. Juveniles are stunningly beautiful, displaying a dark blue-black body densely covered with brilliant iridescent blue spots that sparkle like scattered jewels under aquarium lighting, truly earning the species its common name. However, as the fish matures and grows toward its impressive adult size of 8 inches, the jewel-like spots gradually disappear and the body transitions to a plain dark brown or gray with a distinctive bright yellow tail.

In the wild, Microspathodon chrysurus inhabits shallow coral reefs throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, from Florida and Bermuda to Brazil. Adults are strongly territorial herbivores that cultivate and defend algae gardens on coral rubble and dead coral heads. They are particularly associated with fire coral (Millepora) and will aggressively chase away any fish that ventures near their territory, including species many times their size. Their robust body and powerful jaws make them formidable reef defenders.

The Jewel Damsel's aggressive temperament, large adult size, and tendency to nip at coral polyps make it a challenging aquarium species best suited for fish-only systems. While the juveniles are irresistibly attractive, prospective keepers should be aware that the adult fish bears little resemblance to the jeweled beauty they purchased. The species requires a minimum of 55 gallons and robust tankmates that can tolerate its territorial behavior. It is extremely hardy and disease-resistant, readily accepting all aquarium foods.