Ready for the next damselfish? Check out the Blue Green Chromis. Back to Damselfish — Overview. Open the Main Menu.

The Blue Damselfish, also known as the Blue Devil Damselfish, is the Molly of saltwater aquariums. It is a very colorful, hardy, and active fish. The female is all blue; the male has an orange tail, and is known by the common name of Orangetail Blue Damselfish. In the wild, Blue Damselfish are found throughout reefs, usually busy defending a small territory. The Blue Damselfish has the ability to hide in a hole or crevice and darken to an almost black color. This usually happens when it is threatened. After the perceived threat is gone, it will turn electric blue in a matter of seconds.

The Blue Damselfish is somewhat aggressive, so its housing should be able to easily accommodate multiple specimens. It is a good fish for beginners, and makes an ideal companion fish for a saltwater tank of over 100 liters (30 gallons), and as a great companion for reefs and invertebrates. As the fish matures it may become aggressive, causing problems with the selection of other species to be added to the aquarium. If keeping with other damselfish, provide multiple hiding places to break up territories and decrease aggression.

The Blue Damselfish diet should consist of flaked and frozen foods, and herbivore preparations.

The Blue Damselfish is probably the best selling marine fish in the United States. Its hardiness and small size make it the most common fish used for cycling a saltwater tank.