Whitetail Dascyllus

Whitetail Dascyllus

Description of the Whitetail Dascyllus
The Whitetail Dascyllus is also known as a White-tailed damselfish, Three-stripe damsel,  Humbug dascyllus or Banded dascyllus. They are a marine species and can grow up to 10cm in length, an ideal species for beginners as they are relatively hardy. The Whitetail Dascyllus can be distinguished by three vertical black bars and a white tail, often confused with the Dascyllus melanurus which has four stripes.

Profile of the Whitetail Dascyllus
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Whitetail Dascyllus species.

• Size: Up to 10cm

• Fish Tank conditions: 25-27 Degrees. PH 8.0-8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Live, Frozen and Flaked Food, Brine Shrimp, Algae

• Temperament: Ideal starter fish

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

• Behaviour: Males can be aggressive when protecting their eggs

• Range: Western Pacific Ocean

Scientific Classification of the Whitetail Dascyllus
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 aruanus

• Popular Name: White-tailed damselfish - Three-stripe damsel - Humbug dascyllus - Banded dascyllus

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Pomacentridae

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

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

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

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

Interesting Facts and Information about Whitetail Dascyllus