Neon Damsel

The Neon Damsel is a small, vibrantly colored damselfish that features a stunning neon blue upper body that transitions to a bright yellow on the lower belly and anal fin. This electric two-toned coloration makes it one of the most eye-catching members of the Pomacentrus genus. Reaching only about 3.5 inches at maturity, the Neon Damsel is well-suited for smaller aquariums while still providing the bold color impact that makes damselfish so popular.

In the wild, Pomacentrus coelestis is widely distributed across the Western Pacific, from the waters of Japan south through Indonesia and the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji. It inhabits rubble zones, reef flats, and outer reef slopes, typically at moderate depths where it feeds on zooplankton and benthic algae. Unlike many damselfish that associate closely with specific coral species, the Neon Damsel is more of a generalist, occupying a variety of reef microhabitats and defending small territories among rocks and coral rubble.

The Neon Damsel falls in the semi-aggressive category, making it more community-friendly than the notoriously belligerent species in the Dascyllus genus. While it will defend its territory with determination, it is generally less confrontational with tankmates that do not directly compete for its preferred hiding spots. Its hardiness, vivid coloration, and manageable temperament make it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate aquarists. It is completely reef-safe and thrives in well-maintained reef aquariums with ample rockwork.