Rollands Damselfish - Chrysiptera rollandi

The Rollands Damselfish is a beautiful fish with a distinctive set of colours. They generally have a grey or black head with blue lines and spots visible above and through the eye. There is a black band that runs diagonally across the middle of the body. Behind the band, the rest of the body is white. There are variations in this species colours depending on its origin. Some fish have a body that is yellow, not white. Others have a thin yellow band running from the front of the face to the front of the dorsal fin.

It is possible to breed damselfish including the Rollands variety in an aquarium. However, it requires perfect water conditions and an environment without predators. Wrasses, crabs, and some stars will eat the eggs which are small in size and difficult to rear. There are no known visible sexual differences, but the male may be larger.

This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is found in locations such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Palau, Vanuatu, and Australia. It usually inhabits shallow lagoons, coastal reefs, and sheltered bays. Staying close to areas of coral or sometimes hovering over the substrate. Its depth range is between 2-35 metres.

Tank Recommendations for your Rollands Damselfish.

A single Rollands Damselfish, or a mated pair, need at least 20 gallons (75.7 litres) tank capacity. This should increase to at least 40 gallons (151.4 litres) for a community tank.

This species is hardy and easy to take care of if a tank is well maintained. It is suitable for a reef or fish only environment with plenty of rockwork and open water for swimming.

Any rock arrangements should contain a variety of gaps, crevices, and caves. Live rock is the preferable option, as well as a variety of corals, and aquarium decorations.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Rollands Damselfish is regarded as semi-aggressive. It is considered one of the less aggressive species in the Chrysiptera genus,

They can become territorial as they get older, especially if they are kept in a pair.

Usually Compatible

Conspecifics can cohabit as a mated pair or in small, odd-numbered groups. Peaceful fish are fine in a tank that is 40 gallons or larger.

Sometime Compatible

Semi-aggressive and small aggressive species will need monitoring. Tanks capacity will need to be increased and there should be plenty of hiding places.

Rarely Compatible

Species such as Dottybacks are too aggressive. Larger predators such as Groupers and Soapfish may eat your Rollands Damsel. If an aggressive fish isn't large enough to swallow the damsel, it can still scare it so it won't venture out to feed.

Feeding your Rollands Damselfish

The Rollands Damselfish is omnivorous. It will consume meaty food such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. Shredded seafood is also suitable as well and omnivore and herbivore preparations. Food can be fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or come in flake or pellets. Feed at least twice a day, giving food several times per day will help reduce aggression.