How difficult is it to keep Blacktail dascyllus?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Blacktail dascyllus?

The ideal temperature for Blacktail dascyllus is 23〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Blacktail dascyllus get?

Blacktail dascyllus typically reaches Up to 8 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Blacktail dascyllus?

Blacktail dascyllus feeds on: Omnivore (zooplankton and algae). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Blacktail dascyllus?

The price of Blacktail dascyllus varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Blacktail dascyllus

Beginner

Dascyllus melanurus

A white damselfish with three black bars and a black outer two-thirds of the tail - the black tail separates it from the similar humbug damselfish.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

23〜28℃

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Up to 8 cm TL (FishBase)

Diet

Omnivore (zooplankton and algae)

About

The blacktail dascyllus or fourstripe damselfish (Dascyllus melanurus) ranges through the western Pacific from Sumatra to Vanuatu, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia (FishBase), reaching 8 cm TL. It is white with three black bars, black pelvic fins and a black outer two-thirds of the tail; the black tail distinguishes it from the humbug damselfish (D. aruanus), whose tail is white. It schools around small heads of branching coral in sheltered lagoons and bays, eating plankton such as shrimp and crab larvae and copepods, plus algae. Eggs are laid on hard surfaces and guarded by the male. It is easy to keep and eats almost anything. It leaves corals and invertebrates alone and is reef-safe, but it becomes aggressive towards its own kind and other fish as it matures; Saltcorner recommends housing it with robust tankmates. Juveniles can be kept in groups, but fighting increases as they grow. It is a staple damselfish in the trade.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Blacktail dascyllus

The Blacktail dascyllus grows to Up to 8 cm TL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Blacktail dascyllus

The ideal temperature for the Blacktail dascyllus is 23〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Western Pacific (Sumatra to Vanuatu, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia)

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Up to 8 cm TL (FishBase)

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 23–28℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.026
Min. Tank: 110 L

AggressiveReef safe

Sources: FishBase (Dascyllus melanurus) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Dascyllus melanurus Bleeker, 1854

Synonyms: Dascullus melanurus Bleeker, 1854, Pomacentrus onyx De Vis, 1884

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.