Description

Springer Damsel (Chrysiptera springeri)

Bright, bold, and bursting with attitude, the Springer Damsel (Chrysiptera springeri) is a small yet striking saltwater fish known for its vivid blue coloration and peaceful temperament compared to many other damsels. Hardy, reef-safe, and endlessly active, it’s an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced marine aquarists seeking a touch of colour and personality in their reef or community aquarium.

🌊 Overview
Native to the coral reefs of Indonesia and the western Pacific, the Springer Damsel is an energetic and resilient species that adapts well to life in captivity. Its shimmering electric-blue body with subtle black highlights stands out beautifully against live rock and coral, making it one of the most visually appealing small fish in the marine hobby.

Unlike many of its close relatives, the Springer Damsel is relatively docile and community-friendly, earning it a reputation as one of the best damsel choices for peaceful reef environments.

✨ Key Features & Benefits:

• ✔️ Vivid Electric-Blue Colouration – Adds a flash of iridescent blue to reef tanks.

• ✔️ Peaceful for a Damsel – More tolerant of tankmates than most species in its family.

• ✔️ Hardy & Adaptable – Ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

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

• ✔️ Natural Aiptasia Control – Known to occasionally graze on small pest anemones.

• ✔️ Compact Size – Stays small, making it perfect for nano and mid-sized aquariums.

🐠 Behaviour & Compatibility
Springer Damsels are active swimmers that occupy the mid-to-lower levels of the tank, darting in and out of rockwork with playful curiosity. They are generally peaceful when kept singly or as a bonded pair, but may defend small territories if space is limited.

Best tankmates include:

• Clownfish, gobies, and blennies

• Wrasses and firefish

• Basslets, cardinals, and chromis

• Cleaner shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates

Avoid housing them with highly aggressive species or larger territorial fish that may bully smaller individuals.

🌿 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 L (nano reef compatible)

• Temperature: 24 – 27 °C

• pH: 8.0 – 8.4

• Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025

• Décor: Plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing

Provide ample rockwork and caves where they can retreat when startled or resting. Despite their small size, these fish appreciate well-structured environments that mimic their natural coral-reef habitat.

🍽️ Feeding
Springer Damsels are omnivores and very easy to feed. They accept nearly any prepared or frozen food, including:

• Marine flakes and pellets

• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp

• Finely chopped seafood or marine mix

• Spirulina-based foods and algae wafers

Feed small portions 2–3 times daily to maintain colour intensity and activity levels. A varied diet rich in marine proteins and algae supports long-term health and immunity.

💧 Care Notes
This species is exceptionally hardy and tolerant of a range of water parameters, making it a superb choice for new setups or established systems. Regular maintenance, stable salinity, and high oxygenation will keep these damsels thriving for years.

💡 Did You Know?
In addition to their beauty, Springer Damsels have been observed helping to control Aiptasia in reef tanks — offering a natural, biological solution to a common pest problem. While not guaranteed, many aquarists report reductions in Aiptasia populations when these fish are introduced.

✨ Why Choose the Springer Damsel?

• One of the most peaceful and reef-safe damselfish species.

• Hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for.

• Vibrant colouration that never fades under good lighting.

• Small size makes it ideal for nano reefs or community aquariums.

• May assist with natural Aiptasia control.

🐟 Summary
The Springer Damsel (Chrysiptera springeri) is the perfect blend of beauty, resilience, and behaviour — a hardy reef-safe fish that brings movement and colour to your aquarium without the aggression typical of other damsels. Whether kept singly or as a pair, it’s an active, charming, and low-maintenance addition that fits beautifully into almost any marine setup.

---

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.

---