Neon damselfish
The neon damselfish is a small marine damselfish (family Pomacentridae) widespread across the Indo-Pacific. Its body glows electric blue along the upper half, transitioning to bright yellow on the belly and tail in most regional forms, making it one of the most vividly colored reef fishes. Like many damsels it is hardy and active but can be territorial and nippy, especially as it matures or when confined. Keeping a small group in a large tank helps disperse aggression, though single specimens are also common. It suits a reef or fish-only aquarium with plenty of live rock providing territories and retreats. An omnivore, it feeds readily on algae, zooplankton, and virtually all prepared marine foods. Its resilience makes it an easy fish, though tankmate selection should account for its feisty temperament.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 24 – 27 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 8 – 12 °dKH |
| Salinity | 33 – 35 SG |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 110 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 30 L — adds up with tank-mates |
| Minimum group size | 3 individuals (shoaling) |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Neon damselfish need?
Provide at least 110 litres for a small group to keep Neon damselfish in good conditions.
What water parameters does Neon damselfish need?
A temperature of 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, saltwater.
Is Neon damselfish peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is semi-aggressive.
What does Neon damselfish eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How many Neon damselfish should be kept together?
It is a social species: keep a group of at least 3.
How big does Neon damselfish get?
Around 9 cm as an adult.
Is Neon damselfish suitable for beginners?
Care level: beginner.
Planning a tank with Neon damselfish?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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