What Do Blue Damsels Eat?

Scientifically known as Chrysiptera cyanea, blue damselfish are commonly called blue damsels or blue devils. They live in reefs around the Indo-Pacific and Australian Pacific Ocean. A resilient and lively fish, the blue damsel makes a good pet for first-time fish owners, and does well in saltwater tanks containing reefs and invertebrates.

  1. Description

    • Adult blue damsels reach a length of 2.5 inches. Both sexes of the immature blue damsel have an electric blue color. As they mature, the female develops a black spot at the base of the hind dorsal fin, while the male develops a yellow-orange tail. For this reason, the male is sometimes known as an "orangetail blue damselfish." Blue damsels can also change color. When they feel threatened and take refuge in a dark crevice, their scales darken so they appear almost black. Once they feel safe, their bright blue color returns.

    Tank

    • Territorial and aggressive, blue damsels require a saltwater tank that holds a minimum of 10 gallons. Smaller tanks will cause blue damsels to bully, fight or even kill other fish. Providing rock or coral decor gives the fish places to hide, which helps to reduce aggression. To survive, blue damsels need a water temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4. These fish require no special lighting.

    Food

    • Blue damsels are omnivorous, meaning they consume both plants and animals. These fish will thrive on vitamin-enriched marine flakes or pellet food. You can also chop up fresh or frozen meats such as brine shrimp for blue damsels, or give them herbivore preparations such as algae. Normally, you should feed your fish several small meals throughout the day. However, if you keep blue damsels in a reef tank, you don't have to feed them as often, because the reef will provide them with food.

    Compatibility

    • Although the blue damsel earned the nickname "blue devil" through its aggressive nature, this doesn't mean that it can't be housed with other fish. If your tank contains blue damsels exclusively, be aware of the male-female ratio. In the ocean, there are usually many females for each male; maintaining a similar ratio in your tank will keep the peace. If you want more than one species of fish in your tank, choose another aggressive species. Blue damsels will dominate and fight with passive species.