At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 4 to 6 years or longer in aquariums and mentions up to 15 years
Looks how to spot one
Small, laterally compressed damselfish
A small, bright blue damselfish with a clear yellow tail. The yellow may spread onto the rear of the dorsal and anal fins, especially in fish from Papua New Guinea, but never onto the back or belly.23
Personality what they are like
Semi-aggressive but noticeably milder than most damselfish. Some individuals may guard space against their own kind or similar-sized fish, and males become protective while guarding eggs.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active by day, swimming among coral and rock and usually feeding towards the lower part of the tank.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy care. Offer several hiding places and peaceful tankmates; small groups do best in odd numbers.32
Home where they are happiest
A marine or reef aquarium of at least 30 US gallons (about 115 L). Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025, dKH 8 to 12. Reef safe. In the wild it lives on coral-rich patches of sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs at about 1 to 16 m.312
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore. Wild fish eat plankton, algae and small crustaceans. In aquariums offer spirulina, flake foods and mysis or other meaty foods.23
Company who they like around
Juveniles gather in small groups while adults live alone or in pairs. In aquariums it can be kept in small odd-numbered groups of about 3 to 7.23
The story where it all began
The American ichthyologist Henry Weed Fowler described the species in 1918. Its colours, hardiness and low price have made it a popular first fish for new marine aquarium keepers.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
A female lays around 300 eggs, which hatch within about four days while the male stands guard.2
- 2
A single male can end up caring for up to about 10,000 eggs from several females in his territory.2
- 3
Females pick a partner by checking the size of his territory and how many eggs he is already guarding.2
- 4
It can darken its colours in response to its surroundings.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2021)1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Yellowtail Damselfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Yellowtail Damselfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and they are active daytime feeders.2 Furry Diary plan
What does a Yellowtail Damselfish eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy spirulina, flake foods, and mysis or other meaty foods. Avoid any foods not meant for marine fish, and always check with a vet for specific concerns.32
How much space does a Yellowtail Damselfish need?
A marine or reef aquarium of at least 30 US gallons (about 115 L) is recommended. This gives them room to swim and explore.312
What temperature, light or water does a Yellowtail Damselfish need?
Keep water temperature between 22 and 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025, and dKH 8 to 12. They need saltwater and are reef safe, so standard marine lighting works well.312
How often should I clean a Yellowtail Damselfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly, testing water weekly, and doing a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Furry Diary plan
Can a Yellowtail Damselfish live with others?
Yes, they are semi-aggressive but milder than most damselfish. Keep them in small odd-numbered groups of 3 to 7, or alone or in pairs. Provide hiding places and peaceful tankmates.32
How long does a Yellowtail Damselfish live?
They typically live 4 to 6 years with proper care. A stable environment and good diet help them reach their full lifespan.2
Can I handle a Yellowtail Damselfish?
It's best not to handle them, as it can stress the fish and damage their protective slime coat. Use a net only when necessary, and always with care.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Chrysiptera parasema, Goldtail demoiselle fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, habitat, breeding, IUCN status, describer
- Wikipedia: Chrysiptera parasema en.wikipedia.orgused for colours, diet, behaviour, breeding, lifespan, aquarium notes
- LiveAquaria: Yellowtail Damselfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.