Reticulated Dascyllus

The Reticulated Dascyllus is a compact and attractively patterned member of the Dascyllus genus, displaying a distinctive black-and-white pattern with dark scale edges creating a net-like or reticulated pattern across the body. The overall effect is a grayish-white fish overlaid with a fine dark mesh, punctuated by two prominent dark vertical bars. Adults reach about 3 inches, making them one of the smaller Dascyllus species.

In the wild, Dascyllus reticulatus is found across a broad swath of the Indo-Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to Australia, Fiji, and the Marshall Islands. Juveniles are classic coral-associated damselfish, forming tight schools among the branches of Acropora, Pocillopora, and other branching coral heads. These juvenile aggregations are among the most charming sights on Indo-Pacific reefs, with dozens of small fish darting in and out of coral branches in synchronized movements. As adults, individuals become more solitary and territorial, though the Reticulated Dascyllus maintains a somewhat more social disposition than the most aggressive Dascyllus species.

In the aquarium, the Reticulated Dascyllus is an excellent beginner species that combines the legendary Dascyllus hardiness with a more moderate temperament. While it will establish and defend a territory, its aggression is generally less intense than that of the Domino or Three-Stripe Damsel. It is best suited for community reef tanks of 30 gallons or more, where it can be housed with a variety of moderately assertive tankmates. Provide branching coral structures or rockwork for shelter. Juveniles may be kept in small groups, though adults should generally be kept singly in smaller tanks.