Narrowbar Damselfish

The Narrowbar Damselfish is a distinctive and highly territorial species recognized by its dark body marked with narrow vertical bars and a characteristically pugnacious attitude. The body coloration ranges from dark brown to grayish-black with subtle narrow dark bars that give the species its common name. A bright white or yellowish bar often marks the caudal peduncle area, providing a visual accent against the otherwise dark coloration. Adults reach about 4 inches in length.

In the wild, Plectroglyphidodon dickii is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa across to the Central Pacific islands. It is closely associated with areas of dense coral growth, particularly tabletop Acropora and other branching coral formations on reef flats and upper reef slopes. This species is a dedicated herbivore that maintains algae territories on dead coral surfaces, aggressively defending its farming plots against all herbivorous competitors. It is well known among divers for its fearless territorial defense, charging at fish and even snorkelers that venture into its domain.

In the aquarium, the Narrowbar Damselfish is extremely hardy and undemanding in terms of basic care, but its intense territorial aggression presents a significant management challenge. This species is among the more aggressively territorial damselfish available in the hobby and will relentlessly defend its chosen area against all comers. A minimum of 30 gallons is required, though larger tanks are strongly recommended to give tankmates room to escape. Only robust, assertive species should be housed alongside it. The species is reef-safe and will not harm living corals or invertebrates.