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Yellowtail Damselfish

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Electric-blue body, sunburst-yellow tail: the Yellowtail Damsel is a flash of living color and one of the toughest little fish in the hobby. Cheap, bold, and nearly indestructible, it packs personality into a tiny frame.

Weight0โ€“0.1 lb (0.01โ€“0.03 kg)
Lifespan5โ€“10 years
Energy
Grooming

Temperament

HardyBraveEnergeticAlert

Common health issues

  • Ich (white spot)
  • Fin rot
  • Parasites

Care at a glance

  • ExerciseHigh

    A busy, energetic swimmer โ€” keep plenty of open swimming room.

  • GroomingRoutine tank care

    Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

  • Living spaceNano-tank friendly

    Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

  • Owner experienceSome experience helps

    A little know-how makes life smoother.

  • Commitment5โ€“10 years

    Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Fin rot ยท Parasites

๐Ÿ“– Care guide

The Yellowtail Damselfish (sometimes called the Yellowtail Blue Damsel) comes from the Indo-Pacific and reaches around 8 cm. It is one of the hardiest saltwater fish available, tolerating a wide range of conditions, which makes it a common beginner choice, though it can turn nippy as it matures. House in a 75-litre or larger reef tank at 24-26C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. It is reef-safe and less aggressive than most damsels but still best added to a robust community with plenty of rock caves. Feed an omnivorous diet of mysis, marine flake, pellets, and algae-based foods. A single specimen is easiest; keeping several risks territorial squabbles unless the tank is large.

Frequently asked questions

  • How active is a Yellowtail Damselfish?

    High. A busy, energetic swimmer โ€” keep plenty of open swimming room.

  • How much maintenance does a Yellowtail Damselfish need?

    Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

  • What tank size does a Yellowtail Damselfish need?

    Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

  • Is a Yellowtail Damselfish a good fit for first-time owners?

    Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

  • How long do Yellowtail Damselfish live?

    5โ€“10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

  • What health issues affect the Yellowtail Damselfish?

    Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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Yellowtail Damselfish ยท NetForPet