Ocellated Damselfish

The Ocellated Damselfish is an attractive Western Pacific species that combines a vibrant blue body coloration with a distinctive dark ocellus (eyespot) near the base of the pectoral fin. This species displays varying shades of blue from powder blue to deeper indigo, often with subtle darker scale margins that create a pleasing lattice-like pattern across the body. Adults reach about 3.5 inches and have a moderately deep, compressed body shape typical of the Pomacentrus genus.

In the wild, Pomacentrus vaiuli is found across the Western Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines eastward to Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. It inhabits reef flats, lagoons, and sheltered reef slopes, where it occupies territories centered around small coral heads, rubble patches, or rocky outcrops. Like most Pomacentrus species, it is a territorial omnivore that feeds on a combination of algae, zooplankton, and small benthic invertebrates. The characteristic ocellus may serve as a false eye to confuse predators about the fish's orientation.

In the aquarium, the Ocellated Damselfish is a hardy and visually appealing species that brings reliable blue coloration to the tank. Its semi-aggressive temperament is typical of Pomacentrus damselfish: territorial but generally manageable when housed with appropriately sized tankmates. Provide rockwork with multiple crevices and hiding spots, and avoid combining with very small or passive species. The species is completely reef-safe and eagerly accepts all standard aquarium foods, making it an easy-care addition to community reef aquariums of 30 gallons or more.