The Melanesian Blue Damsel is commonly known as theBlue Devil Damselfish, and its scientific name isChrysiptera taupou. It's a vibrant and active saltwater fish popular in the aquarium hobby.
Here's more information about the Melanesian Blue Damsel (Chrysiptera taupou):
Appearance:
- They are known for their brilliant, deep blue coloration that covers their entire body.
- Some individuals may exhibit subtle variations in shade.
- They are a relatively small species, typically reaching a maximum size of around 7-8 cm (2.75-3 inches).
- They have a typical damsel shape with an oval body and a single dorsal fin.
Distribution and Habitat:
- As their name suggests, they are native to the Melanesian region of the Pacific Ocean, including areas like Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
- They inhabit shallow coral reefs and rocky areas, often found among branching corals.
Aquarium Care:
- Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 75 liters (around 20 gallons) is recommended for a single fish. Larger tanks are necessary if keeping multiple damsels or other fish.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Reef Safe: They are generally considered reef safe with caution. While they typically won't bother corals, they can sometimes become territorial and harass small or sessile invertebrates. Observe them closely in a reef environment.
- Temperament: Blue Devil Damsels are known for being semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially as they mature.
- They can be territorial towards their own kind and other damsel species. It's generally best to keep them singly unless the tank is very large with ample hiding places, or you introduce them simultaneously as juveniles.
- They may also harass smaller, more docile fish. Choose tank mates carefully, opting for fish that are similar in size and temperament or are more robust.
- Aquarium Setup:
- Provide plenty of live rock to create hiding places, territories, and grazing opportunities.
- A sandy substrate is suitable.
- Ensure good water flow and efficient filtration.
Diet:
- They areomnivores in the wild, feeding on algae, small invertebrates, and plankton.
- In the aquarium, they readily accept a varied diet including:
- High-quality flake and pellet foods
- Frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and cyclopeeze
- Live foods can be offered occasionally as a treat.
- They will also graze on algae in the tank.
Breeding:
- Breeding Blue Devil Damsels in captivity is not commonly achieved in the home aquarium. They are egg-layers that form pairs, and the males guard the eggs in a nest on the substrate.
Difficulty Level:
- Keeping Blue Devil Damsels is generally considered relatively easy once they are established. They are hardy fish that adapt well to aquarium conditions. However, their potential for aggression needs to be carefully considered when choosing tank mates.
In summary, the Melanesian Blue Damsel (Chrysiptera taupou) is a beautiful and hardy fish that can be a vibrant addition to a saltwater aquarium. However, their potentially aggressive nature requires careful planning when selecting tank mates and designing the aquarium layout.
