Pomacentrus
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Pomacentrus auriventris, Goldbelly Damselfish. Scott W. Michael
Family: Pomacentridae
Species in Genus Pomacentrus:
COMMON DAMSELFISHES
With about 54 species, this genus is one of the largest in the damselfish family and all are suitable for the reef tank, many eminently desirable. Some are small (under 2 in. [5 cm] in length) and can be relatively peaceful. Others get larger (some over 3.9 in. [10 cm] in length) and are very scrappy. Some are colorful throughout their lives, while others may be colorful as juveniles but drab as adults.
In the wild, Pomacentrus fishes tend to be highly territorial. They will not only chase members of their own kind, but also drive away food competitors. Some feed on zooplankton, others are omnivorous, feeding on algae and associated tiny invertebrates.
Better choices are the zooplankton-eaters in this group, and these can successfully be kept in groups if they are added together into a larger aquarium. These Pomacentrus species are more likely to be picked on by tankmates and are less likely to be belligerent toward heterospecifics. On the other hand, the omnivorous Pomacentrus species are territorial and do best if only one is kept per tank. They tend to pick on smaller, more passive tankmates.