Four Stripe Damsel Fish

Four Stripe Damsel Fish

Description of the Four Stripe Damsel Fish
The Four Stripe Damsel Fish is also known as the Blacktail Dascyllus, Blacktail Damselfish and Blacktail Humbug. It is hardy and an ideal choice for the beginner making a beautiful addition to any tropical aquarium. They can be distinguished by four vertical black bars and a black tail and are often confused with the Whitetail Dascyllus, which has three stripes and a white tail.
 

Profile of the Four Stripe Damsel Fish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Four Stripe Damsel Fish species.

• Size: Up to 8cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp: 24 to 27 Degrees. PH 8.0 to 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Not fussy! Algae, Dried, Frozen and Flaked Food

• Temperament: Ideal Starter Fish

• Habitat: Shallow lagoons and reefs up to 20m in depth

• Behaviour: Can be aggressive to other fish

• Range: Indo-Pacific

Scientific Classification of the Four Stripe Damsel Fish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Dascyllus melanurus

• Popular Name: Four Stripe Damselfish - Blacktail Dascyllus - Blacktail Damselfish - Blacktail Humbug

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Pomacentridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Four Stripe Damsel Fish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Four Stripe Damsel Fish slimy?
Four Stripe Damsel Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Four Stripe Damsel Fish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Four Stripe Damsel Fish have gills?
Gills enable the Four Stripe Damsel Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Four Stripe Damsel Fish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Four Stripe Damsel Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Four Stripe Damsel Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Four Stripe Damsel Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Four Stripe Damsel Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Four Stripe Damsel Fish