Description

Azure Damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)

Vibrant, hardy, and full of energy, the Azure Damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) is a reef-safe gem that brings a splash of brilliant blue and sunshine yellow to any saltwater aquarium. Known for its stunning coloration and easygoing nature, this species is one of the most peaceful and attractive damselfish available — perfect for both beginners and experienced reef keepers.

🌊 Overview
Native to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, particularly around Indonesia and the Philippines, the Azure Damsel thrives in warm, shallow waters rich in coral and rock formations. Its body shimmers a deep, electric blue that fades into a bright golden-yellow belly and tail — a colour combination that glows under aquarium lighting.

Unlike many damsels that are territorial or aggressive, the Azure Damsel is notably calmer and community-friendly, making it a reliable choice for peaceful marine setups and reef aquariums.

✨ Key Features & Benefits:

• ✔️ Brilliant Colouration – Striking blue upper body and vivid yellow underside add instant contrast to any reef.

• ✔️ Peaceful for a Damsel – Social and tolerant toward most tankmates.

• ✔️ Reef-Safe – Will not nip corals, clams, or ornamental invertebrates.

• ✔️ Hardy & Adaptable – Excellent beginner fish that tolerates a wide range of conditions.

• ✔️ Active Personality – Constantly exploring rockwork and open water.

• ✔️ Low Maintenance – Easy to feed and care for; thrives in stable marine systems.

🐠 Behaviour & Compatibility
The Azure Damsel is a lively yet mild-mannered fish, making it suitable for nano and community reef tanks. When housed singly or as a bonded pair, it rarely shows aggression. It can, however, defend small territories if space is tight — typical behaviour for damselfish.

Compatible tankmates include:

• Clownfish, gobies, and blennies

• Firefish and wrasses

• Chromis and basslets

• Cleaner shrimp, snails, and other reef-safe invertebrates

Avoid combining with very aggressive species or larger predatory fish that may intimidate or outcompete it.

⚠️ Not to be confused with the highly aggressive Goldbelly Damsel — the Azure Damsel is calm, social, and ideal for peaceful reef aquariums 🐠.

🌿 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 L (nano-reef friendly)

• Temperature: 24 – 27 °C

• pH: 8.0 – 8.4

• Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025

• Décor: Plenty of live rock, caves, and open swimming space

Provide ample rockwork for grazing and hiding, as Azure Damsels like to claim small territories within the rockscape. In community reefs, their playful activity adds motion and colour without disrupting other fish.

🍽️ Feeding
Omnivorous and enthusiastic eaters, Azure Damsels accept almost any aquarium food:

• High-quality marine flakes and pellets

• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp

• Finely chopped seafood or reef blends

• Spirulina or algae-based foods

Feed small amounts two to three times daily. A balanced diet enhances their brilliant coloration and keeps energy levels high.

💧 Care & Maintenance
These damsels are exceptionally hardy, tolerating minor fluctuations in water quality better than many delicate reef fish. Still, consistent maintenance — including weekly water changes and strong filtration — ensures long-term health and vibrant colour.

💡 Fun Fact:
Azure Damsels sometimes help with Aiptasia control, pecking at small pest anemones and keeping rockwork tidy — an added bonus for reef hobbyists battling unwanted growths.

✨ Why Choose the Azure Damsel?

• Peaceful and reef-safe, ideal for community aquariums.

• Hardy and beginner-friendly, yet stunning enough for advanced reefs.

• Brings vibrant, natural contrast to coral tanks.

• Inexpensive, long-lived, and easy to care for.

🐟 Summary
The Azure Damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) combines beauty, resilience, and charm in one compact fish. Its calm personality, hardiness, and dazzling blue-and-yellow pattern make it one of the most rewarding small species for any reef keeper. Whether as a single showpiece or part of a lively community, this colourful fish brings energy and elegance to every tank it inhabits.

Disclaimer: Fish photos are NOT of our own stock. Colours may appear different in other aquariums due to variations in lighting conditions. We do not edit or enhance our photos, but colours may also be influenced by your screen settings, such as brightness and contrast.