Blue Devil
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Males of this popular species have orange or blue tails, while females have clear tail fins. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
A perennial favorite with both neophyte and experienced fishkeepers, this glowing little species can have a big attitude, chastising smaller, less aggressive tankmates. Otherwise, it is a perfect aquarium inhabitant.
Family: Pomacentridae
Other common name(s):
- Blue Damsel
- Sapphire Devil
- Orangetail Damselfish
Native range:
- Western Pacific
- Australia
- New Guinea
- New Britain
- Solomon Islands
- Marianas
- Caroline Islands
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Taiwan
- Ryukyu Islands
- Palau
- Samoa
Habitat: Reef and rubble areas. The more hiding places the better to diffuse potential aggression.
Maximum length: 7.9 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Feed meaty and algae-based foods at least once a day. Color-enhancing foods can help maintain its bright pigments.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
This fish is best kept with more aggressive fishes and allowed to fend for itself. Housing it with more passive fishes is inviting trouble—especially if it is the first fish in the tank or the aquarium is small.
You can keep more than one individual per tank—it is best to keep one male and one or more female (females have clear tails, the male’s tail is blue or orange, depending on where the fish was collected). Larger males are most belligerent.
It is not a threat to ornamental invertebrates. Safe with corals and clams.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Demersal (on or near the bottom) spawners that tend and protect their broods. It may spawn in the home aquarium, laying eggs in a nest on a hard substrate. The male fans and guards the eggs until they hatch.
[edit] Notes
The Blue Devil will dart and dash among aquarium decor, nipping substrate as it feeds on algae and tiny invertebrates.
| Common name | Blue Devil +, Blue Damsel +, Sapphire Devil +, and Orangetail Damselfish + |
| Family | Pomacentridae + |
| Genus | Chrysiptera + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 30 gal + |
| Native range | Western Pacific +, Australia +, New Guinea +, New Britain +, Solomon Islands +, Marianas +, Caroline Islands +, Indonesia +, Philippines +, Taiwan +, Ryukyu Islands +, Palau +, and Samoa + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | cyanea + |
| Swimming level | Midwater to bottom. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |