Dascyllus

From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer

Family: Pomacentridae

Species in Genus Dascyllus:

• Blacktailed Dascyllus
• Domino Damsel
• Humbug Dascyllus
• Reticulate Dascyllus
• Threespot Dascyllus
• Yellow Threespot Dascyllus

DASCYLLUS

This genus is comprised of nine species of deep-bodied damselfishes—all very hardy but not always desirable community members when they move past the cute juvenile stage.

They often occur in groups that hang over and duck into stony coral heads. Both the damsels and the coral benefit. The coral colonies grow more rapidly because of the nutrients (including nitrogen) excreted in the damsels’ waste and the increased water circulation caused by the damsels’ movements among the coral branches. Two Dascyllus species also live in sea anemones. Dascyllus mainly feed on zooplankton.

As juveniles they exhibit dramatic color patterns and are inexpensive beginners’ fishes. Juveniles make an interesting display if housed in a small group with stony coral colonies. As they get larger, most become more and more aggressive. While a male and female may pair up, group unity usually breaks down and serious squabbles occur as they mature. They will terrorize less aggressive tankmates and can easily disrupt the balance of a confined community. They are, however, no threat to invertebrates.