Yellowtail Blue Damselfish

The Yellowtail Blue Damselfish is sometimes confused with the Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) because they do look very similar. The Chrysiptera hemicyanea has more yellow on its body than the Chrysiptera parasema, which just has the yellow on its tail. This damsel is usually better kept in groups of 3 or more because they can become very territorial if kept singly. This is probably one of the least aggressive of all the damsels, but can still be aggressive nonetheless. Try putting your arm in the tank to perform tank maintenance and you'll see what we're talking about.

The Yellowtail Damselfish is particularly hardy and many hobbyists will use them to cycle a new tank. Using them to cycle your tank is not recommended because it is very cruel to the fish. A better, more humane way to cycle your saltwater tank would be to use live rock. As always, do not keep them with fish large enough to view them as a nice snack.

Yellowtail Blue Damsel will go after most fish food including vitamin enriched flake food, frozen, freeze dried and live foods.

Damselfish Pictures

Chrysiptera parasema Yellowtail Blue Damselfish Yellowtail Damsel Picture

Saltwater Fish Species Profile and Care Information

Scientific Name : Chrysiptera parasema

Common Names : Blue Yellowtail Damselfish, Goldtail Demoiselle

Yellowtailed Blue Damsel Care Level : Easy, good for saltwater beginners, but don't use them to cycle your tank. This is not needed with the use of live rock as the primary biological filter.

Life span : 4 - 6 years, possibly longer

Size : Up to 3 inches (8 cm)

pH : 8.1 - 8.4

Temperature : 75°F - 80°F (24°C - 27°C)

Specific Gravity : 1.020 - 1.025

Carbonate Hardness (dKH) : 8 - 12°

Origin / Habitat : Indo-Pacific

Temperament / Behavior : Much like other damsels, this one can be moderately aggressive. Aggression can be lessened or spread out if you have 3 to 7 in your aquarium.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction :

Tank Size : 30 gallon minimum

Compatible Tank Mates : Avoid keeping them in an aquarium with Lionfish, Snappers, Groupers, Triggers, Eels or any other predatory fish large enough to eat them.

Reef Tank Compatible? : They shouldn't bother the corals and/or anemones but can sometimes be little jerks to the other fish in a reef aquarium setup.

Fish Disease : Saltwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment

Diet / Fish Food : Omnivore - try to give them a variety of foods. They will take vitamin enriched flake foods, frozen and definitely live foods.

Tank Region : Middle to bottom

Gender : Difficult to determine

Gallery Photos : Yellowtail Blue Damsel Photos

Similar Species : Damselfish - Blue Damselfish, Green Chromis, Blue Chromis

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