
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dascyllus aruanus
A small white damselfish with three black vertical bars that forms groups among branching Acropora on shallow reefs. Extremely hardy and suited to beginners, but adults are strongly territorial and chase peaceful fish.
The Humbug Dascyllus (Dascyllus aruanus) is a small damselfish of the Pacific from east of the Lombok Strait to the Line, Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia. It lives in shallow lagoons and reef flats at 0-20 m, forming large aggregations above staghorn Acropora thickets or smaller groups over isolated coral heads. The white body has three black bars, black pelvic fins and a pale tail; the similar D. melanurus has a fourth black bar on the tail. It reaches 10 cm with a common length around 6 cm and a maximum reported age of 6 years. It feeds on zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and algae. Males invite females to spawn in their nests and become very aggressive toward other fish while guarding the eggs, which hatch in 3-5 days. It has been reared in captivity. Extremely hardy and tolerant of water quality swings, it is easy for beginners to keep in a tank of 114 L or more with live rock for shelter. Adults are strongly territorial and chase peaceful fish, so choose moderately assertive tank mates. It does not bother corals or invertebrates.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Humbug Dascyllus lives Up to 6 years (max reported age, FishBase).
The Humbug Dascyllus grows to 6-10cm.
The ideal temperature for the Humbug Dascyllus is 22〜26℃.
Origin
Pacific Ocean: north and east of Lombok Strait to the Line, Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia
Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase
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.
Accepted name: Dascyllus aruanus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Chaetodon aruanus, Tetradrachmum aruanum, Chaetodon arcuanus, Dascyllus blochii, Pomacentrus emamo, Pomacentrus trifasciatus, Pomacentrus devisi, Abudefduf caroli
Authority databases: WoRMS · FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Up to 6 years (max reported age, FishBase)
Size
6-10cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Pellets, flakes, frozen food (omnivore)
Juveniles are mild but adults become aggressive. Peaceful fish added later get chased, so plan the stocking order.
114 L (30 gallons) or larger with many hiding places. For a group, use a large tank and add all at once.
22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Tolerant of water quality swings.
Omnivore. Pellets, frozen and algae-based foods once or twice daily.
Suits moderately aggressive tank mates; avoid peaceful small fish. Safe with corals and invertebrates.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Humbug Dascyllus is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Humbug Dascyllus is Up to 6 years (max reported age, FishBase). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Humbug Dascyllus typically reaches 6-10cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Humbug Dascyllus feeds on: Pellets, flakes, frozen food (omnivore). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Humbug Dascyllus varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026