Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)

The Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea), a member of the Pomacentridae family, is a small yet striking fish native to the tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. With its vibrant blue and yellow coloration, this species is a popular choice for reef tanks, offering both hardiness and visual appeal. However, experienced aquarists know not to be fooled by its small size—you might just be adding a “dragon” to your tank! (While C. parasema is sometimes called the Blue Damselfish, in the aquarium trade, C. hemicyanea is widely recognized by this name.)

Aquarium Conditions

For the Azure Damselfish, the ideal water temperature should range between 24-28°C (75-82°F). A minimum aquarium volume of 120 liters (approx. 30 gallons) is recommended to provide ample swimming space and rocky structures for hiding. Maintain a pH level of 8.1-8.4 and a specific gravity (salinity) of 1.020-1.025. Strong water circulation and high-quality filtration are essential for maintaining a healthy environment.

Diet and Nutrition

As an omnivore, the Azure Damselfish naturally feeds on plankton, small crustaceans, and algae. In an aquarium setting, they easily adapt to a variety of foods, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen offerings like mysis and brine shrimp. A diverse and regular diet is key to maintaining their vivid colors and supporting a robust immune system.

Behavior and Compatibility

This species is known for its territorial behavior. It tends to claim specific areas of the tank and can become aggressive toward intruders. In larger aquariums, this aggression is often diluted, and compatibility improves. It is best kept with other hardy species of similar size. More delicate fish, peaceful gobies, or small wrasses may unfortunately become targets of its territorial nature.

Breeding Behavior

The Azure Damselfish is one of the species that can successfully spawn in captivity. Males guard the eggs deposited by females on flat surfaces. The eggs typically hatch within a few days, and the larvae become free-swimming. However, raising the fry is quite challenging, as they require specialized planktonic nutrition during their early stages.

Health and Diseases

The Azure Damselfish is remarkably hardy and resistant to most common aquarium diseases. Nevertheless, poor water quality or inadequate nutrition can cause stress, leading to parasitic infections such as Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans). This species is not venomous and poses no physical risk to the hobbyist. Their average lifespan is 5–6 years, though they can live longer under optimal conditions.

Cover Photo: Rickard Zerpe

References:

• Wikipedia – “Chrysiptera hemicyanea” – Accessed: August 21, 2025 – Link

• LiveAquaria – “Azure Damselfish Care Guide” – Accessed: August 21, 2025 – Link

• Reef Builders – “Caring for Chrysiptera hemicyanea in Reef Tanks” – Accessed: August 21, 2025 – Link

• Saltwater Aquarist – “Damselfish Species Profile: Azure Damselfish” – Accessed: August 21, 2025 – Link

• The Spruce Pets – “Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) Care” – Accessed: August 21, 2025 – Link