Can it be kept with other fish?

It tends to be aggressive toward its own kind, so keeping multiple Starck's Damselfish together is best avoided. It generally coexists more calmly with other species, though tankmates and layout should still be chosen thoughtfully.

Can it be kept with corals?

Since it rarely bothers corals, this species is well-suited to reef tanks. Individual behavior can vary, so it's a good idea to observe how a new fish settles in after introduction.

Is it suitable for beginners new to marine fishkeeping?

It's rated as beginner-friendly and tolerates changes in water conditions relatively well. Anyone with basic marine aquarium knowledge should find it approachable.

How large does it grow?

Adults reach a maximum standard length of about 7cm, making it a small species. Its compact size makes it manageable even in smaller tanks.

Are there any CITES regulations on this species?

Starck's Damselfish is not subject to CITES.

Starck's Damselfish

Starck's Damselfish is a small, hardy damselfish prized for its vivid blue body that shades into yellow from the back toward the tail. Found in deep reef waters, including areas around Japan's Ryukyu Islands, it adapts well to tank life and is a great choice for beginning marine aquarists. It gets along well in reef tanks since it rarely bothers corals, but it can be quite territorial and aggressive toward its own kind, so it's best kept as the only individual of its species in a tank. Its bold coloring and lively swimming make it a standout addition to any saltwater aquarium.

View Starck's Damselfish encyclopedia →

Find Starck's Damselfish breeders(0)

Limited Time Offer

0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only

BreederDirect's 6 Transparency Promises

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

All species Clownfish Ocellaris Clownfish Percula Clownfish Clark's Anemonefish Tomato Clownfish Saddleback Clownfish Orange Skunk Clownfish Pink Skunk Clownfish Maroon Clownfish Black Ocellaris Clownfish Snowflake Clownfish Picasso Clownfish

Browse all 175 breeds

Filter

Price

Region

Has show resultsChampion titles

Attributes

Captive BredWYSIWYG (Actual photo)

0 items

Sort by

No listings match your filters

Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.

Find breeders Browse the Marine Fish encyclopedia Clear filters

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

Dogs Cats Coral Tropical Fish Goldfish Medaka Reptiles & Amphibians Small Pets Birds Insects Exotic Invertebrates

Verified breeders (preview)

森信幸 Breeder

宮城県

朝比奈理一 Breeder

宮城県

Are you raising marine fish?

Apply as a breeder

About Starck's Damselfish

Starck's Damselfish is a hardy, beginner-friendly small saltwater fish with a vivid blue body and yellow-tinged back — best kept solo, as it can be aggressive toward its own kind.

7 things to know before welcoming a Starck's Damselfish

1Keep One Per Tank
Starck's Damselfish has a strong territorial instinct toward its own kind and can fight fiercely with others of the same species. If you're considering keeping more than one, proceed carefully and provide plenty of hiding spots in a larger tank.
2Great Fit for Reef Tanks
This species rarely bothers corals, making it well-suited to reef aquariums. That said, it can be territorial toward other small fish, so choose tankmates carefully.
3Hardy and Beginner-Friendly
Rated as beginner-friendly, this fish tolerates changes in water conditions relatively well. It's an approachable choice even for those new to marine fishkeeping.
4Stays Small, Up to 7cm
Adults reach a maximum standard length of about 7cm, keeping this damselfish compact. Its small size makes it manageable even in more modest tank setups.
5Hardiness from Deep Reef Origins
Found in deep waters around areas including Japan's Ryukyu Islands, this species tends to adapt relatively well to environmental changes. It generally settles in comfortably within an aquarium.
6Vivid, Eye-Catching Coloring
Its blue body shading to yellow from the back to the tail makes it stand out in any tank. Individual fish may show some variation in how the coloring appears.
7Provide Plenty of Hiding Spots
Because of its territorial nature, live rock and other hiding places help it settle in comfortably. Consider its placement carefully when planning tankmates and aquascape.

Frequently asked questions about Starck's Damselfish

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?: A.It tends to be aggressive toward its own kind, so keeping multiple Starck's Damselfish together is best avoided. It generally coexists more calmly with other species, though tankmates and layout should still be chosen thoughtfully.
Q.Can it be kept with corals?: A.Since it rarely bothers corals, this species is well-suited to reef tanks. Individual behavior can vary, so it's a good idea to observe how a new fish settles in after introduction.
Q.Is it suitable for beginners new to marine fishkeeping?: A.It's rated as beginner-friendly and tolerates changes in water conditions relatively well. Anyone with basic marine aquarium knowledge should find it approachable.
Q.How large does it grow?: A.Adults reach a maximum standard length of about 7cm, making it a small species. Its compact size makes it manageable even in smaller tanks.
Q.Are there any CITES regulations on this species?: A.Starck's Damselfish is not subject to CITES.