Sulfur Damselfish

The Sulfur Damselfish is a vibrantly colored species that lives up to its name with an intense, uniform bright yellow coloration that makes it one of the most visually striking damselfish in the trade. The entire body glows with a rich sulfur-yellow to golden-yellow hue, sometimes with a subtle greenish tint on the back. Adults reach about 3.5 inches and maintain their brilliant coloration throughout their lives, making them reliable providers of warm color in reef aquariums.

In the wild, Pomacentrus sulfureus is found across a broad range spanning the Western Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, from the Red Sea and East African coast to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It inhabits sheltered reef environments, lagoons, and reef slopes, where it establishes small territories among coral rubble, rock outcrops, and coral heads. Like most Pomacentrus species, it is an omnivorous feeder that consumes algae, zooplankton, and small invertebrates while defending a modest territory from encroachment.

In the aquarium, the Sulfur Damselfish is exceptionally hardy and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners seeking bright, warm coloration. Its semi-aggressive temperament is typical of Pomacentrus damselfish: it will defend a territory but is generally less combative than the most aggressive damselfish genera. Provide rockwork with multiple hiding spots and avoid combining with very small or timid species. The species is completely reef-safe, eagerly accepts all standard aquarium foods, and maintains its vivid yellow coloration with proper nutrition.