Damsel Fish
The colorful, hardy and active damsel fish is one of the most popular species for saltwater aquarium keepers. Although they come in variety of colors, shapes and sizes, all damsel fish are characterized by forked tails and have one nostril on either side of their heads
Habitat
Damsel fish are most populous in tropical reefs, although they inhabit temperate ocean waters worldwide. They travel in shoals during their youth, and then break off from the group to live as solitary adults.
Feeding
Equipped with sharp teeth that they use to scrape algae from corals and rocks, damsel fish will also hunt and consume small crustaceans and microscopic aquatic animals known as zooplankton.
Feisty Fish
Although small and seemingly docile, damsel fish can be highly aggressive when protecting their territory, food supply or eggs. Hobbyists are therefore advised to keep damsel fish in large tanks with plenty of coral or rocks that provide ample hiding places to keep fighting among damsels to a minimum.
Fast Facts
- Size: 2 to 14 inches
- Over 300 different species
- Related to Clownfish
- Successfully bred in captivity
- Often used to cycle or break in a new aquarium
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