© Chika Watanabe / CC BY 2.0Jewel Damselfish
The Jewel Damselfish is a saltwater aquarium staple, its brilliant blue body set off by a bright yellow tail. Hardy and adaptable, it's considered a good choice for beginners, readily accepting both prepared pellet and frozen foods. That said, it tends to grow more assertive as it matures, so tankmate choices deserve some thought. With a lifespan of 5 to 8 years and an adult size of 6 to 8 cm, it can be a long-term companion in a well-planned setup.
View Jewel Damselfish encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 6 Transparency Commitments
Every Marine Fish listing shows Breeder's full disclosure. No wild-caught. Captive-bred priority, tank size guidance, temperament details—transparent aquaculture.
- Captive-bred
- WYSIWYG
- Reef-safe
- Care Info Included
- Origin Disclosed
- Temperament Listed
Browse all 215 breeds
Care Difficulty
Reef-safe
Temperament
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Are you raising marine fish?
Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a breederJewel Damselfish key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Size
- 6-8cm
- Temperature
- 24〜26℃
- Diet
- Pellets, Frozen food
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Manage at 24-26°C and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. A hardy species that isn't fussy about water quality.
- Diet & Feeding
- Takes prepared food well and is easy to keep. Combine with frozen food.
- Housing
- If planning a community tank, add this species last and build plenty of escape routes into the layout.
- Tankmates
- Becomes territorial when grown
- Health & Cautions
- Very hardy, but among the most territorial damselfish: once grown it charges even larger fish and relentlessly chases other damsels and gobies.
About Jewel Damselfish
A hardy damselfish with a blue body and yellow tail, great for beginners. Eats pellet and frozen food. Lives 5-8 years, grows to 6-8 cm.
7 things to know before welcoming a Jewel Damselfish
1Grows strongly territorial with age
As it matures, the Jewel Damselfish becomes markedly territorial, even by damselfish standards. It may charge at fish larger than itself, so if you plan a community tank, add this species last and build plenty of escape routes into the layout.
2Hardy and tolerant of water changes
Among damselfish, this species is known for being especially resilient and tolerant of minor water quality fluctuations. Even so, don't let that hardiness lead to complacency — regular checks of temperature, salinity, and pH remain key to long-term success.
3Easily feeds on pellets and frozen food
This species readily accepts both prepared pellets and frozen foods, so feeding is rarely a challenge. Offer an amount they can finish in a few minutes, once or twice a day, to avoid leftover food fouling the water.
4Choose tankmates carefully
Adults may chase other damselfish and gobies relentlessly, and can even charge at fish larger than themselves. Compatibility can be poor regardless of size, so plan a community tank carefully, introduce this species last, and provide plenty of escape spots with rockwork.
5Provide plenty of hiding spots
Rockwork or live rock arranged into caves and crevices gives this fish a sense of territory while helping it settle in. Multiple hiding spots also help spread out territorial disputes with other tank residents.
6Plan tank size for its adult size
Since adults reach around 6 to 8 cm, it's important not to choose a tank based only on the juvenile's small size. Factor in its future size and active swimming habits when deciding how much space to provide.
7A long-term aquarium companion
With a lifespan of 5 to 8 years, this species lives relatively long for a saltwater fish. Before bringing one home, it's worth considering whether you can provide consistent care for that entire span.
Frequently asked questions about Jewel Damselfish
- Q.Is this fish suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, it's considered a good beginner fish thanks to its hardiness and willingness to eat prepared foods. That said, it becomes more territorial as it grows, so tankmate selection needs some care.
- Q.Can it be kept with other fish?
- A.Community tanks are possible, but as it grows it becomes strongly territorial, relentlessly chasing other damselfish and gobies and even charging at larger fish. If you keep it with others, introduce it last and provide plenty of places to escape.
- Q.How big does it grow?
- A.Adults typically reach about 6 to 8 cm, a relatively compact size among saltwater fish.
- Q.What is its lifespan?
- A.It typically lives around 5 to 8 years, making it relatively long-lived among saltwater fish. It's worth planning for long-term care before bringing one home.
- Q.What should I feed it?
- A.It readily eats both prepared pellets and frozen foods, so no special diet is needed — its easy feeding habits are one of its appeals.
Useful tools for Jewel Damselfish care
Learn more about Jewel Damselfish in the encyclopedia
View Jewel Damselfish encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.