Blue Damselfish

Blue Damselfish

Description of the Blue Damselfish
The Blue Damselfish is also known as the Sapphire devil or Orangetail blue damselfish and is one of the most popular saltwater aquarium fish. The Blue Damselfish makes a beautiful addition to any aquarium, it is hardy and an ideal fish for the beginner. The male is electric blue in color with an orange tail whereas the female is completely blue with a black spot on the top of their fin (the picture above shows a female blue damselfish).

Profile of the Blue Damselfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Blue Damselfish species.

• Size: Up to 8.5cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1-8.5

• Diet / Feeding: Flaked and Frozen Food

• Temperament: Can be aggressive to other Damselfish and other small fish

• Habitat: Reef Dweller - Marine Waters

• Behaviour: Provide lots of hiding places in the tank to minimise aggression

• Range: Indo-pacific

Scientific Classification of the Blue Damselfish
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: Chrysiptera cyanea

• Popular Name: Sapphire Devil - Blue Damselfish - Orangetail Blue Damselfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Pomacentridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Blue Damselfish?
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 Blue Damselfish slimy?
Blue Damselfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Blue Damselfish 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 Blue Damselfish have gills?
Gills enable the Blue Damselfish 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 Blue Damselfish 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 Blue Damselfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Blue Damselfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Blue Damselfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Blue Damselfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Blue Damselfish