Starcki Damsel

The Starcki Damsel is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and desirable damselfish species, featuring a stunning bicolor pattern with a rich cobalt blue upper body that transitions sharply to a vivid golden yellow on the lower half. This clean, striking color division gives it an elegant appearance that sets it apart from most other damselfish, and unlike many species in the family, it maintains this gorgeous coloration throughout its life without fading or changing with maturity.

In the wild, Chrysiptera starcki is found in the Western Pacific, primarily around the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, New Caledonia, and Fiji. It tends to inhabit deeper reef walls and outer reef slopes at depths of 20 to 60 meters, which is considerably deeper than most commonly collected damselfish species. This deeper-water origin contributes to its somewhat higher price point compared to other damsels, as collection requires more effort. The species is typically found in small groups or pairs hovering near rocky overhangs and cave entrances.

The Starcki Damsel is one of the more manageable Chrysiptera species in terms of temperament, falling into the semi-aggressive category rather than the truly belligerent behavior seen in species like the Blue Devil. While it will defend a territory around its preferred shelter, its aggression is generally limited to posturing and short chases rather than sustained attacks. Its small size of around 3 inches, beautiful coloration, hardiness, and moderate temperament make it an excellent choice for reef aquariums. It is completely reef-safe and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates.