Yellowbelly Damselfish

The Yellowbelly Damselfish is an attractive bicolored species that combines a vivid blue upper body with a contrasting bright yellow belly, creating a visually appealing two-toned effect. The blue coloration on the dorsal half ranges from deep cobalt to electric blue, while the ventral region transitions through a clean demarcation to a warm golden-yellow. This color combination gives the species considerable visual impact, especially under aquarium lighting that enhances both blue and yellow pigments. Adults reach about 3.5 inches.

In the wild, Pomacentrus auriventris is found across the Indo-Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and northern Australia. It inhabits sheltered reef areas, lagoons, and coastal reef slopes, where it establishes modest territories among coral rubble, rock outcrops, and small coral heads. Like other Pomacentrus species, it is an omnivorous feeder that consumes a mix of algae, zooplankton, and small benthic invertebrates while defending its home territory from competitors.

In the aquarium, the Yellowbelly Damselfish is a hardy and attractive species that reliably provides vibrant blue and yellow coloration. Its semi-aggressive temperament is typical of the Pomacentrus genus: territorial but generally manageable when housed with appropriately sized community tankmates. Provide rockwork with multiple crevices for shelter and territory establishment. The species is completely reef-safe, easy to feed, and adapts readily to aquarium life. Its bright bicolored pattern makes it a popular choice for aquarists who want damselfish hardiness paired with eye-catching coloration.