Why is my Blue Devil Damselfish turning black?

Males can rapidly change their colour to a dark, almost black shade during territorial disputes, spawning displays, or when severely stressed. It is a normal physiological response.

Can I keep a group of Blue Devil Damselfish together?

In a standard home aquarium, keeping a group usually results in extreme aggression until only one dominant individual remains. A group is only viable in very large tanks (over 300 litres) with abundant rockwork to establish separate territories.

Is the Blue Devil Damselfish reef safe?

Yes, they are entirely reef-safe. They will not nip at corals or sessile invertebrates, focusing instead on planktonic food in the water column and prepared foods.

What size tank does a Blue Devil Damselfish need?

A single individual requires a minimum of 114 litres (30 gallons). Providing a larger footprint with plenty of live rock creates more territory, which helps reduce their aggression towards tankmates.

Are they suitable for beginner aquarists?

In terms of hardiness and tolerance to water chemistry fluctuations, they are fantastic for beginners. However, their highly aggressive temperament requires careful planning when selecting tankmates, meaning beginners must research thoroughly.

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Blue Devil Damselfish

Chrysiptera cyanea

A brilliantly coloured, exceptionally hardy marine fish that is famous for its vibrant electric blue hue and notoriously feisty temperament.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 14 – 22 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 6 – 8.5 cm
114 Litres: 114 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 15 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Ample live rock with numerous caves, crevices, and hiding spaces.

About the Blue Devil Damselfish

The Blue Devil Damselfish is often one of the first fish a marine aquarist encounters. Renowned for its stunning, iridescent blue colouration, it instantly brightens up any reef aquarium. However, its small size belies a ferocious territorial streak that has more than earned it the 'devil' moniker. They are incredibly resilient, forgiving of minor water quality fluctuations, and remain highly active throughout the day, darting around the lower levels of the tank.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Blue Devil Damselfish against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Blue Devil Damselfish comes from

Native range

Indo-West Pacific

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, sheltered lagoons, and reef flats amongst rich coral growth and rocky rubble.

They are typically found at depths of between 1 and 10 metres, sticking closely to the safety of the reef structure.

Similar species

Yellowtail Damselfish
Chrysiptera parasema
Azure Damselfish
Chrysiptera hemicyanea
Three Stripe Damselfish
Dascyllus aruanus

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

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Emperor Angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator
Large, robust marine fish like the Emperor Angelfish easily ignore the posturing of a tiny, aggressive damselfish.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Tangs are large, highly active, and thick-skinned enough to remain unbothered by the territorial displays of the Blue Devil.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Both species belong to the damselfish family and can clash over territory in smaller aquariums. A large tank with distinct rocky zones is required.
Compatible with caution
Firefish
Nemateleotris magnifica
Firefish are exceptionally timid and will be relentlessly bullied and chased into hiding by the aggressive damselfish.
Not recommended
Seahorses
Hippocampus spp.
Seahorses are slow feeders and easily stressed by the fast, erratic movements and aggressive feeding style of damselfish.
Not recommended

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