What is the difference between an Azure Damselfish and a Yellowtail Damselfish?

While both share a similar electric blue base colour, the Yellowtail Damselfish (*Chrysiptera parasema*) only has yellow on its tail and caudal peduncle. The Azure Damselfish (*Chrysiptera hemicyanea*) has yellow extending along its entire lower belly, from the chin all the way through the tail.

Are Azure Damselfish aggressive to other fish?

They are considered semi-aggressive. While they are among the most peaceful damselfish species, they are highly territorial over their specific chosen cave or crevice and will chase away other fish that come too close.

Can I keep multiple Azure Damselfish together?

In smaller tanks (under 200 litres), it is generally best to keep only one, as they will fight over territory. In much larger aquariums with extensive rockwork, a small odd-numbered group can sometimes be kept successfully, provided they are all added at the same time.

Are Azure Damselfish safe to keep in a reef tank?

Yes, they are completely reef safe. They will not bother corals, anemones, or ornamental invertebrates like shrimp and snails.

Will an Azure Damselfish eat copepods?

Yes, they will actively hunt and graze on small benthic invertebrates, including copepods and amphipods, found in the live rock, though this should not be relied upon as their sole food source.

MarineMarineBeginner

Azure Damselfish

Chrysiptera hemicyanea

A striking, deeply coloured bicolour marine fish featuring a vivid electric blue upper body and a bright yellow underside, highly favoured by beginners for its hardiness.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 5 – 7 cm
75 Litres (minimum for one): 75 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Live rock with plenty of caves and crevices for territory and hiding.

About the Azure Damselfish

The Azure Damselfish (*Chrysiptera hemicyanea*) is an exceptionally hardy and visually arresting addition to the marine aquarium. Instantly recognisable by its horizontal bicolour split of brilliant electric blue and sunny yellow, it brings a vibrant flash of colour to any reef setup. As a member of the *Chrysiptera* genus, it is considered one of the less aggressive damselfish available in the trade, making it a popular choice for both nano aquariums and large community reef tanks. Their active nature and hardiness make them an excellent candidate for aquarists at all experience levels.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Azure Damselfish comes from

Native range

Indo-West Pacific, Coral Triangle

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Australia

Habitat

Shallow, sheltered lagoons and near-shore coastal reefs, strongly associating with branching Acropora corals.

Primarily concentrated around eastern Indonesia and north-western Australia.

Similar species

Yellowtail Damselfish
Chrysiptera parasema
Talbot's Damselfish
Chrysiptera talboti
Springer's Damselfish
Chrysiptera springeri
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Chrysiptera taupou

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Similar in size and hardiness, and generally ignores damselfish while occupying a different territory.
Great
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
A robust dwarf angelfish that is large and active enough to ignore the damselfish's territorial displays.
Great
Yellowtail Damselfish
Chrysiptera parasema
Being a closely related species with similar coloration, intense territorial disputes may occur unless the aquarium is extremely large with abundant rockwork.
Compatible with caution
Dwarf Seahorse
Hippocampus zosterae
Seahorses are slow-moving and docile; they will be easily stressed by the fast-swimming damselfish and outcompeted for food.
Not recommended
Volitan Lionfish
Pterois volitans
A predatory fish that will easily swallow the small damselfish whole.
Not recommended

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