The Yellowtail damselfish, or Chrysiptera parasema, is a very popular colorful fish to add to a saltwater tank. They’re highly affordable, pretty easy to take care of, and aren’t difficult to keep in many cases. However, there are some potential caveats to keep in mind if you’re considering getting this particular fish.
In this guide, we’ll review what this fish is all about and how to care for it.
Generally, the Yellowtail damselfish is a reef-safe fish that won’t give you too much trouble. Although the Yellowtail damselfish is pretty aggressive and territorial, it won’t go after your coral or invertebrates. This is part of why this fish is great for those who are new to keeping a reef tank.
The Yellowtail damselfish is omnivorous and needs a blend of meat and plants to live. This versatility makes it easy to feed them a variety of foods, including frozen and live foods, pellets, or flakes. Providing your damsel with a mix of food types will ensure they get well-rounded meals.
You can expect these fish to live a long time in captivity. Although they only live for around two to six years in the wild, the Yellowtail damselfish could live for up to 15 years or longer in captivity. So, prepare to care for these fish in the long term.
The Yellowtail damselfish is a fairly small species and tends to grow to a maximum of three inches. Because of this, you don’t need to worry about getting a large tank to hold them.
Unfortunately, Yellowtail damselfish are among the more aggressive species like other damselfish. They’re highly territorial and tend to want to dominate their area, and they may not be compatible with clownfish or other more peaceful fish. However, the Yellowtail does tend to get along better with other damsels and clownfish than other species of damselfish.
As one of the most affordable fish on the market, the Yellowtail damselfish costs almost nothing to add to your tank. You can find these for sale at around $10 to $15 in most places, and they’re far from rare.
The following are a few interesting facts about the Yellowtail damselfish:
You can actually keep this fish with other damsels or clownfish despite their aggressive and territorial nature, and they are compatible witht many types of reef-safe fish.
Some viable tank mates for the Yellowtail damselfish include wrasses, tangs, angelfish.
They’re also found in many damsel-only tanks in which aquarists may keep them with the Domino damselfish, Azure damselfish, or Starcki damselfish, among others.
Looking for the Yellowtail damselfish online? You’ll be able to buy these fish at the following stores, among others:
For a great fish that’s rewarding for beginners, you may want to consider the Yellowtail damselfish. If you can get around and forgive the fish’s aggressive behavior, you’ll likely find it to be a great addition to your reef tank.