Blue Devil Damselfish
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Species: Chrysiptera cyanea
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Common Names: Blue Devil Damselfish, Sapphire Devil, Orangetail Blue Damselfish (male variant)
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Origin: Indo-Pacific (Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Great Barrier Reef)
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Light Requirements: Moderate to high lighting
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Diet: Omnivorous – consumes a mix of meaty and plant-based foods
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Maximum Size: ~3 inches (7.5 cm)
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Temperament: Aggressive and territorial
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Care Level: Easy
Aquarium Setup:
Blue Devil Damselfish are hardy and adapt well to a variety of saltwater aquarium setups. They require a well-structured environment with ample rockwork and caves to establish territories. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single fish, but larger tanks are needed for community setups. Due to their aggressive nature, they should not be kept with timid or slow-moving fish.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
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Hardness: 8–12 dKH
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Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for one, 55+ gallons for groups or community tanks
Growth and Maintenance:
This species is very hardy and well-suited for beginner marine aquarists. Regular water changes (10–20% weekly) and stable water conditions will ensure their health. They are known to be highly territorial, especially as they mature, so providing plenty of hiding spaces can help reduce aggression.
Diet:
Blue Devil Damselfish are omnivorous and require a varied diet. Offer high-quality marine flakes and pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. They will also graze on algae, making them beneficial for algae control in reef setups.
Compatibility:
This species is highly aggressive, especially toward smaller or more peaceful tank mates. They can be housed with similarly bold or semi-aggressive species such as larger clownfish, wrasses, angelfish, and tangs. Avoid keeping them with timid fish or those unable to handle their territorial nature. If keeping multiple damselfish, a larger tank with ample hiding spaces is required to minimize conflicts.
Reef Compatibility:
Blue Devil Damselfish are reef-safe and do not typically harm corals. However, their aggressive nature can be an issue in peaceful reef tanks. They may chase smaller fish or claim areas of the reef as their territory.
Breeding:
This species can spawn in captivity. Males prepare a nesting site and court females through displays and fin movements. After eggs are laid, the male guards and aerates them until they hatch. However, raising the larvae is difficult due to their small size and dietary needs.
Availability:
Blue Devil Damselfish are widely available in the aquarium trade due to their hardiness and brilliant coloration. Contact us to check stock availability.
Disclaimer:
Due to variations within the species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.
