Chrysiptera hemicyanea

Chrysiptera hemicyanea, also known as Azure Damselfish or half-blue damselfish is a popular saltwater aquarium fish from the Indo-Pacific.

Appearance

A small marine fish that reaches four inches in length. It is blue with a yellow tail and belly and is sometimes mistaken with the yellowtail damselfish which has less yellow, particularly on its belly.

In the Aquarium

Chrysiptera hemicyanea is a hardy member of a saltwater aquarium. Because of this and its usually low price it is often recommended as a way for novice marine aquarium keepers to gain experience. Thirty gallons is typically quoted as the minimum tank size required to permanently house this fish. To keep a small group a tank of fifty five gallons will be required.

It is less aggressive than most damselfish but will sometimes harass more passive fish. Despite its comparatively peaceful nature it can be territorial with members of its own species. It is however reef safe and will not harm invertebrates. Even though it has a hardy nature, it also must not be placed in an aquarium with larger predatory fish such as lionfish, and grouper which will often see it as a food source.

References

• liveaquaria.com Page on Chrysiptera hemicyanea