Yellowtail Damselfish

About

The goldtail demoiselle (Chrysiptera parasema) is one of the more recognizable damsels in the hobby, sporting a deep cobalt blue body that gives way to a bright yellow-gold tail. A clean, two-tone look that makes identification easy at a glance. In the wild, this species is found across the Western Pacific, from the Philippines and Solomon Islands down through Papua New Guinea and the Ryukyu Islands, where it hangs out in sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs, typically in small groups clustered around Acropora coral patches. Like most damsels, it's a diurnal fish. Active during the day and resting at night. Breeding pairs form distinct bonds, with the male taking on guarding and aerating duties once eggs are deposited on the substrate. In the aquarium, the goldtail demoiselle is a genuinely forgiving choice for newer saltwater keepers. It's hardy, adapts well to reef conditions, and eats readily. The catch, as with most of its family, is temperament. While it's not the most aggressive damsel out there, it will hassle tank mates, especially others of its own kind, particularly in tighter quarters. Keeping it with robust fish and giving everyone plenty of territory to claim goes a long way toward managing that attitude.