Threespot Dascyllus

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Dascyllus trimaculatus - (Rüppell, 1829)
Threespot Dascyllus

This attractive and hardy damselfish likes to hover near anemones or hide in branching corals or coral crevices. Scott W. Michael

[edit] Overview

Dascyllus trimaculatus is a mainstay in the aquarium trade. It is very hardy, and the bold color pattern of the juveniles is very attractive.

Family: Pomacentridae

Other common name(s):

  • Threespot Damselfish
  • Domino Damselfish
  • Threespot Humbug
  • Whitespot Humbug

Native range:

Habitat: Inhabits coral and rocky reefs, juveniles often commensal with large sea anemones, sea urchins, or small coral heads.

Maximum length: 14 cm (6 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 209 L (55 gal)

Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)

[edit] Feeding

Meaty foods, including finely shredded frozen seafood, mysid shrimp, frozen preparations, pigment-enriched flake food, and Cyclop-eeze. Feed twice a day if algae is in short supply.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

As this fish grows, it can become very belligerent, attacking more peaceful species. Keeping it in a community tank can lead to injuries and death of tankmates that are not, themselves, very large or pugnacious.


[edit] Notes

This species does have some interesting behaviors as a juvenile. It has been reported cleaning” or grooming an ich-infested Copper­banded Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus). The juveniles are often found sharing sea anemones with anemonefishes (Amphiprion species). Some adults will hover near these anemones as well, but tend to prefer to hide in branching corals or coral crevices.

Reference: A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes
Image credit: SWM
Text credit: SWM
Facts about Threespot DascyllusRDF feed
Common name Threespot Dascyllus  +, Threespot Damselfish  +, Domino Damselfish  +, Threespot Humbug  +, and Whitespot Humbug  +
Family Pomacentridae  +
Genus Dascyllus  +
Image credit SWM  +
Maximum length 6 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 55 gal  +
Native range Red Sea  +, East Africa  +, Line Islands  +, Pitcairn Islands  +, Southern Japan  +, and Sydney, Australia  +
Reference A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes  +
Specific name trimaculatus  +
Text credit SWM  +
Water max temp 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F)  +
Water min temp 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F)  +
Water type Marine  +
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