Black Damsel
Neoglyphidodon melas
Also known as: Black Damselfish, royal damsel, royal damselfish, Zulu Damsel
A boldly colored damsel with a feisty attitude that only grows with age.
About
The Black Damsel (Neoglyphidodon melas) goes through one of the more dramatic color transformations in the damselfish family. Juveniles are a vivid electric blue and yellow that makes them look almost like a different species entirely, while adults settle into a much darker, predominantly black coloration. Hence the common name. This shift happens gradually as the fish matures, and it catches a lot of keepers off guard if they're not expecting it. In the wild, this species ranges widely across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa through to northern Australia and the Pacific island groups. Adults stake out territories around coral-rich reef areas, often associating closely with soft corals and even hanging around giant Tridacna clams. Juveniles tend to shelter among branching Acropora corals. The aggression level on this fish is real and worth taking seriously. It will go after tankmates considerably larger than itself, and that boldness only intensifies with age. Keeping just one per tank is strongly recommended, and any tankmates should be able to hold their own. This is probably not the best community fish, but for a keeper who wants a hardy, active fish with real personality and can plan the tank around its attitude, the Black Damsel delivers.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Black Damsel get?
- The Black Damsel reaches about 4–7" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Black Damsel need?
- A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for the Black Damsel.
- What water parameters does the Black Damsel need?
- The Black Damsel does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Black Damsel aggressive?
- The Black Damsel is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Black Damsel eat?
- The Black Damsel is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Black Damsel live?
- With good care, the Black Damsel typically lives 2-3 years.
- Is the Black Damsel reef safe?
- The Black Damsel is not considered reliably reef safe and may harm corals or invertebrates.