Damsel Fish

Damselfish are the most common "starter" saltwater aquarium fish. They are considered good starters because they are inexpensive if lost, they adapt well to a variety of water conditions, and they make colorful additions to any saltwater tank. We recommend captive bred damsels because they are hardier and it helps protect the reefs from dangerous fishing practices.

A big misconception about damsels is that they get along well with other fish. Damselfish become very aggressive as adult fish. This can be a problem if you have added them as a starter fish to stabilize your new tank and then want to add new fish. When you add any new expensive fish to the tank you may have a territorial problem with the existing damselfish. To combat this problem, it is best to keep damselfish in small groups of three or four. Damselfish are omnivorous and will eat a wide variety of flake foods. They also enjoy Brine Shrimp as a treat. They are a hardy fish that are rarely susceptible to disease and parasites.

Jewel Damselfish
Microspathodon chrysurus

Description: Microspathodon chrysurus , or the Jewel Damselfish is a Damselfish from the Western Atlantic. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade, where it is known as the Marine Jewelfish (not to be confused with the freshwater Cichlid, known as the Jewelfish) . When juvenile it has brilliant blue spots on a dark blue back ground. It is probably the most aggressive of all Damselfish, and should be kept with fish substantially larger and more robust than itself.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: Frozen or live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef tank or community fish.Excellent in groups!
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$15.99

Neon Velvet Damselfish
Neoglyphidodon oxyodon

Description: The Neon Velvet Damselfish start out as attractive and hardy displays in the home aquarium, especially when in schools. However these cute little fish quickly grow to become terrors and will chase and harass fish many times their size. These fish make excellent companions for aggressive tankmates with other damselfish, dottybacks, angelfish and puffers. Provide plenty of hiding and swimming space for these fish. They are not recommended for reef aquariums where they will share space with peaceful reef inhabitants.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: A hardy aquarium fish, accepting a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$15.99

Australian Orangetail Damselfish
Chrysiprera cyanea

Description: The Australian Orangetail Damsel fish is probably the highest demand damsel fish sold in the United States. These Australian beauties, are a good hardy fish for beginners, and perfect for reef , fish only, or invertebrate tanks.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: A hardy aquarium fish, accepting a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$19.99

Domino Damselfish
Chrysyptera cyanea

Description: The domino damselfish is almost totally black with three white spots. One spot is on each side of its middle back and one on top just before the dorsal fin. Being that its coloration is very basic, it is quite a striking small fish.Domino damsels are omnivores and will eat a varied dietTemperament: The domino damselfish is not overly aggressive as a juvenile but as an adult can (and usually does) become aggressive not only with others of its kind but also with smaller and mild mannered fish. Do not put two domino damselfish in the same tank – they will probably fight. It would also be wise to introduce the domino damselfish as one of the last fish into the tank as they can become territorial.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: A hardy aquarium fish, accepting a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$7.99

Electric Blue Damselfish
Pomacentrus Coelestis

Description: The Electric Blue Damsel fish is somewhat aggressive, its home should be able to easily accommodate multiple specimens. It is a good fish for beginners, and makes an ideal companion fish for a saltwater tank of over 30 gallons, and a great companion for reefs and invertebrate tanks. Its hardiness and small size make it one of the most common fish used for cycling a saltwater tank.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: A hardy aquarium fish, accepting a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$10.99

3 Stripe Damselfish
Dascyllus aruanus

Description: The 3 Stripe Damsel fish is somewhat aggressive, its home should be able to easily accommodate multiple specimens. It is a good fish for beginners, and makes an ideal companion fish for a saltwater tank of over 30 gallons, and a great companion for reefs and invertebrate tanks. Its hardiness and small size make it one of the most common fish used for cycling a saltwater tank.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: A hardy aquarium fish, accepting a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$7.99

Flourecent Blue Damselfish
Abudefdul cyaneus

Beautiful Electric Blue Color!!!

Description: These fish look incredible under actinic or moonlight lighting! A constant center of the tank swimmer, that does well in groups. One of the best selling marine fish in the United States, begining hobbyists love the Blue Damselfish because of its hardiness and small size, while advanced aquarists enjoy the activity and beautiful coloration brings to the aquarium.
Recommended Tank size: A good fish for beginners and an ideal companion fish for saltwater aquariums of over 30 gallons.
Food and diet:The diet of the Blue Damselfish should consist of flaked and frozen foods, and herbivore preparations.
Reef Compatability: The Blue Damselfish is a great choice for reef aquariums with invertebrates.
Level of Care: Easy
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$7.99

Blackmouth Bicolor Chromis
Paraglyphidodon Nigoris

Description: Chromis are related to damselfish and clownfish, but are typically less aggressive. They enjoy being in a school of three or more, and make a spectacular display in large numbers. Chromis are ideal fish for the reef aquarium, since they will not bother invertebrates and corals.The Blackmouth Bicolor chromis is passive and should be kept in schools of three or more.
Tank Requirements:It makes an ideal companion fish for a saltwater tank of over 20 gallons, and a great fish for reefs and invertebrate tanks.
Diet: Accepts a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatability: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Level of Care: A good fish for beginners, easy
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$14.99

Blue Green Chromis
Chromis viridis

Description: The Blue Green Reef Chromis is found in schools throughout the Indo-Pacific reefs and in the Red Sea. A hardy fish , it is commonly kept long term, in small schools. A great beginner fish, and a terrific fish to learn the hobby with. It may also be included in larger schools in show tanks. It is also one of the fish often selected as a tank-cycling fish. A peaceful fish, the Blue Green Reef Chromis is more mild mannered than other inexpensive beginner fish. Blue Green Reef Chromis will live many years in an aquarium with good water quality.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: Accepts a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$7.99

Blue Reef Chromis
Chromis cyaneus

Description: The Blue Reef Chromis is found throughout the Atlantic along reefs. A hardy fish , it is commonly kept long term, in small schools. A great beginner fish, and a terrific fish to learn the hobby with. It may also be included in larger schools in show tanks. It is also one of the fish often selected as a tank-cycling fish. A peaceful fish, it will live many years in an aquarium with good water quality.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: Accepts a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"
Warning: Advanced Aquarist Item, Not guaranteed
The Blue Reef Chromis is beautiful, but not as hardy as the remaining chromis and damsels, therefore it is not guaranteed. Order at your own risk, if you feel lucky...

$12.99

Australian Tasmanian Devil

Description: The Australian Tasmanian Devil Damsel is a larger, nicer variant of Chrysiptera taupou. Australian specimens are well known for their 'extra nice' color, which is nicer than the photo shown, primarily because Australia collects big nice fish! Still, it's a small fish, around 1.5"-2". It is blue over much of its body, with a yellow tail and a yellow belly. Like most damsels, it is an aggressive little fish that is ideally suited to the aquarium. This damsel may bother smaller, peaceful fish tankmates (especially in a smaller tank). Keep only one per tank and only with other bold species such as larger pseudochromis angelfish and triggerfish. Provide with plenty of hiding places.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: Accepts a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

$27.99

Garabaldi Damsel
Hypsypops rubicunda

Description: The Garibaldi Damselfish comes from the cool waters off of the coast of the Eastern Central Pacific Ocean, and is one of the largest fish in the damselfish family. The Garibaldi Damselfish is a striking orange color, and as a juvenile, is marked with many blue spots. The fins of the juvenile are also outlined in blue adding to its beauty. The adult fish is a rich orange in color. The common name refers to the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, who famously wore a bright red shirt, as did many of his followers.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 50 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: Accepts a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species
Approximate Purchase Size:Small 1"-2" , Medium 2"-3", Large 4"- 5"

Starting at $119.99

Sunshine Chromis
Chromis Insolatus

Description: The Sunshine Chromis is a species rarely seen in the aquiarium trade. It is light pink to a lavender with yellow down its head and dorsal spine.A peaceful schooling fish, the Sunshine Chromis makes a great addition to the mini-reef aquarium. These Caribbean beauties, are a good hardy fish for beginners, and perfect for reef , fish only, or invertebrate tanks.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: A hardy aquarium fish, accepting a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 1-1/2"

Sold Out

Starcki Damselfish (Australia)
Chrysiptera starcki

The Starck's Demoiselle are much sought after by aquarists...

Description:The Starck's Demoiselle or Starcki Damsel is a beautiful fish. An excellent aquarium pet as it is easy to keep, hardy, and quite disease resistant. This species does not keep its brilliant blue in the aquarium all the time, sometimes it gets darker or deep blue, but the contrast between its two different colors is always quite attractive. As they mature many damselfish are noted for becoming rather aggressive and are best not kept with smaller or overly passive tank mates. This species is no exception, it is rather territorial and somewhat aggressive. More than two specimens of this species can not be kept safely together, for they may seriously fight causing severe damaged or death. Provide a rock/ coral decor that has many nooks and crannies for hiding and retreat as this will help avert aggression.
Recommended minimum tank size: A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Food and diet: A hardy aquarium fish, accepting a wide variety of prepared foods; live brine shrimp, plankton, mysis shrimp, green algae.
Reef Compatible: An excellent reef aquarium species because it will not bother invertebrates.
Approximate Purchase Size: 11/4" to 2"

$49.99

Bluefin Damselfish
Neoglyphidodon melas

Description: The Bluefin Damselfish is an excellent starter fish. Also called the Bowtie Damsel, or Bluefin Damselfish, the Bluefin Damselfish is characterized by a white body and yellow top, with blue pectoral and anal fins. Found in the Indian & Pacific Oceans and Great Barrier reef the Bluefin Damselfish is very hardy and reef safe. They will swim actively at all levels of the aquarium.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallon
Feeding and diet: The Bluefin Damselfish is an omnivore that thrives with a variety of prepared and frozen foods. The diet for Bluefin Damselfish consists of flake and frozen foods such as brine shrimp. They do fine in a tank with plenty of hiding places and open swimming areas. Often found swimming in schools. These fishes are reef safe.

Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$9.99

Yellow Chromis
Chromis analis

Description: The Yellow Chromis is an excellent starter fish. Also called the Pullers and Yellow Puller. Found singly or in small groups on rocky bottoms and steep outer reef slopes. They will swim actively at all levels of the aquarium.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallon
Feeding and diet: The Yellow Chromis is an omnivore that thrives with a variety of prepared and frozen foods. The diet for Yellow chromis consists of flake and frozen foods such as brine shrimp. They do fine in a tank with plenty of hiding places and open swimming areas. Often found swimming in schools. These fishes are reef safe.

Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$9.99

Fiji Devil Damsel
Chrysiptera taupou

Description: The Fiji Devil is also called the Fiji Blue Devil. It is found in tropical parts of the Western Pacific, from the Coral Sea to the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa. The Fiji Devil lives in lagoons and offshore coral reefs.The Fiji Blue Devil is a hardy species that can be recommended to novice marine aquarists, but just like most other damsels it will become increasingly aggressive as it gets older.
Recommendations: The aquarium should contain plenty of hiding spots as well as open water for swimming. This is a very active species that will spend a lot of time rapidly dashing back and forth out in the open. Ideally use rocks and/or coral to create nooks, crannies and similar. If you wish to keep more than one Fiji Blue Devil in the aquarium, clever decoration becomes even more important.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon
Feeding and diet: The Fiji Devil is believed to feed chiefly on zooplankton and phytoplankton in the wild, but more research is needed to determine its exact diet. In the aquarium, it will readily accept a long row of food, including dry food. You can for instance use high-quality flakes as a base and supplement with meaty food and green food. It is important to keep the diet varied. Feed your fish several times throughout the day instead of just one or two big meals.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$11.99

YOUR FISH HEALTH DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU FEED THEM- FEED THEM THE BEST FISH FOODS

Why Use New Life Spectrum Fish Foods?
All-natural New Life Spectrum contains absolutely no hormones. New Life Spectrum noticeably increases both color and vigor in both marine and freshwater fish. Premium ingredients produce results superior to other pellets, and even specialized fresh food (such as brine shrimp, seaweed, etc.) without pollution. The high-density, nutritious pellets help prevent lateral line disease, as well as other ailments related to faltering health. New Life Spectrum provides trace elements present in natural environments, but missing in aquariums.

Using Other Brands:
Even some hard to feed marine fish will eat New Life Spectrum fish food. Pellets are designed with no dust and will stay in the water for hours without disintegrating, reducing pollution.
New Life Spectrum is suitable for omnivorous, herbivorous, and many carnivorous fish. Ounce-for-ounce, New Life Spectrum provides far better nutrition than flake food, and is less-expensive relative to weight.
- High-quality easily digestible krill & fish meal protein
- Balanced daily diet for all marine fish
- Boosts immune system to repel parasites
- Enhances the full spectrum of your fish's color

Click here for more information on the importance of phytoplankton for your corals

We Highly Recommend you use Spectrum Fish Food by Newlife
Feed your fish a better food and watch their health and colors improve
Starting At - $7.99

Quantity	:
Select Your Food	:	&

Photos are representative of each species. Each animal is unique and variations should be expected.

Order with confidence....
Guaranteed ordering privacy...
This site features advanced encryption technology...

Please note: Aquatic Connection will not guarantee the coloration of corals as seen in your reef system.

Reason? Not all corals from our tanks and lighting will look the same when they are in your tanks. Everybody's tanks have different lighting setups, spectrums, combinations, etc. Aquatic Connection's tanks are lit by 400 watt 20K Halide bulbs. We use this combination for best growth. But for best viewing this is not the best lighting choice. Aquatic Connection photographs all polyps under Actinic only lighting. This brings out the true zoanthilia and protopalythoa colors. If your tank consists of all daylight (10K's, 14K's etc.) with minimal actinic lighting, your not going to see the vibrant true colors. We suggest you add true actinic lamps also and turn these on in the evening without the daylight lighting for proper color viewing.