Damselfishes (Family Pomacentridae) like the orangetail damselfish have been heavily favored by marine aquarists ever since there was a thing called a marine aquarium. There are plenty of reasons for this lasting popularity. First and foremost, damsels are among the hardiest of saltwater aquarium fishes. They are usually brightly colored and remain quite small in size. And, in most cases, they are totally reef-safe. In fact, they were used very often in the past as a sturdy “starter fish” to cycle new systems. (For the animals’ well being, we instead suggest fish-less cycling with dry base rock and live bacterial products).
The orangetail damselfish is certainly among the most popular damsel species. Certainly this owes at least in part to its neon blue body and bright yellow tail. It is also available for a fairly low price. Due to its toughness, it is frequently recommended for beginners as a way to gain some familiarity with keeping reef fishes. Interestingly, in more recent times it has become a popular substitute for Dory, the blue tang featured in the animated film Finding Nemo.
Natural History of the Orangetail Damselfish
This little gem is alternately referred to as the BIOTA orangetail damsel, yellowtail blue damsel, goldtail demoiselle, yellowtail blue damselfish, yellow-tailed damsel, blue damsel, yellowtail demoiselle, jewelfish or sheephead. Additional scientific names include Chromis xanthurus.
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It is a rather small fish, only reaching a modest three inches in length. It is indeed very, very blue–of course with a yellow tail. Particularly in specimens originating from Papua New Guinea, this bright yellowish pigmentation can reach up to the back of the dorsal and anal fins; in some cases it can extend to the pelvic and/or pectoral fins. The faces, backs or bellies of the species, on the other hand, are always completely blue (a yellow nose or chin indicates that the fish is a blue devil damsel (Chrysiptera cyanea), while a yellow belly indicates that it is an azure damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)). As juveniles, they are bright blue overall with pale polka-dots and yellow tail; adults are quite similar except that the spotting is lost.
Based solely upon color and morphology, it is very difficult to sex this species. As a rule of thumb, males are usually a bit bigger and more slender. Males might also reveal their sex through behavior, as they tend to act more aggressively towards females (especially when ready to breed). As males guard the eggs, they are yet more aggressive while protecting a brood. Females will lay around 300 eggs. Many of the eggs are preyed on by animals ranging from brittle stars to small wrasses. The surviving eggs hatch within 96 hours, typically a few hours after sundown. The species might spawn regularly in aquaria. Nevertheless, because of the damselfishes tiny size, they are extremely challenging to grow out. As a matter of fact, the species has only recently become commercially available as captive bred!
Bio-Geography and Habitat Type
The orangetail damselfish most commonly occurs in Florida and the Caribbean including the Key Largo, the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. It forms large gatherings near branching corals in sheltered lagoons or inshore reefs at 3–52 feet (1–16 meters) depth. Juveniles are especially fond of fire coral.
Captive Care
While damselfishes are usually pretty small, they like to command huge territories which they guard tenaciously (divers sometimes are astounded by the ferocity of attacks made by these feisty little guys). Luckily, the orangetail damselfish is one of the most peaceful members of its family and so can go into most tanks with most tankmates. If anything, it is a bit nervous as it is heavily preyed on in the wild.
A tank size of thirty gallons provides the minimum space required for this fish (singly). The aquascape should be very rocky with countless little cracks and caves to hide in.
Cohabitants would be best described as “semi-aggressive” (clownfishes, hawkfishes, basslets, tangs, dwarf angels, etc.). Even so, they might pick on the more passive fish in an aquarium (e.g. gobies, firefishes, etc.). It also can become territorial in the presence of conspecifics. They seem to be most combative when kept singly and thus are best kept in small groups (6-12 or more).
Whether stocking the orangetail damsel as an individual or as a group, introduce this species into your tank only after all other tankmates have been added. This helps to limit territorial aggression on the part of the damsel. So there you have it! If used in a properly aquascaped tank, with appropriate tankmates and introduced to the community dead last, C. parasema adds loads of color and activity for little investment of money or maintenance. Really, these captive bred specimens have got to be among the hardiest of any marine aquarium fish ever offered in the trade. Best of all, though they are small, they have the lifespan of the average damselfish (around five years) and can survive in captivity for as long as fifteen years. It’s pretty safe to say that the species will remain popular well into the future!
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ktompkins says
I was hoping to see a picture.
Christopher Burns says
interesting
Justin C Rivard says
Very Interseting!
SwiftNova . says
Very Interesting!
brett says
Solid info! Love it!
barniebob says
I want one!!!!
Frank Crone says
Me too
Jose says
Nice fish, might looking into getting one.
polygonreef says
Me wantttt
Dan says
Happy Halloween!
LIZ DAVID says
Definitely made damsels more interesting
Liesle says
Interesting read
Jason Beguhn says
Great article on this fish
Paul Worley says
Interesting
Jeffrey Lutz says
I love how colorful Damsels are.
I have one, going to get more soon, they are very cheap, but very hearty.
casey moffett says
good information, I have a tank that is mostly damsels
ignoandfrigi says
I have had damsel fish in the past, always aggressive little buggers. But there was only one that was peaceful and never hurt anything in the tank, a blue sapphire damsel. Nicest little damsel I have ever seen.
seitzjh says
pretty fish
conner stumpf says
cool little guy
Jordan Hernandez says
Still deciding to get one or not
Cody Gruber says
Fantastic
Paul Kachirsky says
Sad, no picutre
Daniel Shyer says
good info thx!
Liz Lynn says
Really good read
Charles miller says
Hmmm
robert vice says
awesome fish
robert vice says
awesome fish.love to have one
Nicholas Nevins says
Mine was such a bully even to clowns
chris13 says
It is a pity that damsels are so combative as they are colorful and easy to keep.
Wilfredo Robles says
substitute for Dory huh?
Nick says
Getting one after reading this article!!!
Timothy Shaner says
I always heard Damselfish were too aggressive for most other fish
Mike Howell says
Good info!
krautzm says
I’m afraid to add damsels because of their aggression
krautzm says
Not a fan of damsels, but they are beautiful
Elliot says
No thank you Damsel
Jordan says
Someday I will get one.
Mark Valentino says
Not a fan of damsel fish; to aggressive.
Ro Vance says
I wish they weren’t so aggressive – My reef has peaceful only fish since it’s a nano, and I don’t want to have to deal with excess aggression
Rose Salazar says
WOW
art anderson says
hmmmm
Ashton says
Good article, but I would have liked a little bit more about the native habitat information and possibly how that could translate into an artificial habitat in a home aquarium.
Jerry Pearson says
Very nice
superiorislandservices says
I’d always be nervous since it’s a Damsel. Beautiful fish though.
Jay Gray says
Damsels are just a little too aggressive for my tastes
Charles says
Beautiful fish!!
sabbath2 says
Damsels are the devil.
btmedic04 says
Ive never owned a damsel due to how aggressive they can be. Still a great read
Esther says
Such a pretty fish!
adam says
how heavy are they?