Three Spot Domino Damselfish

Description

 

🐟 Three Spot Domino Damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) – Care Guide & Compatibility

The Three Spot Domino Damselfish, also known as the Domino Damsel, is a hardy, bold, and striking marine fish known for its distinctive black body and white spots. While ideal for beginners due to its resilience, its aggressive nature as it matures makes careful tank planning essential.

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🔹 Quick Facts

• Common Name: Three Spot Domino Damselfish, Domino Damsel
• Scientific Name: Dascyllus trimaculatus
• Family: Pomacentridae
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to Australia and Japan)
• Size: Up to 5.5 inches (14 cm)
• Temperament: Aggressive (especially as it matures)
• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes (with caution due to aggression)
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (larger recommended)
• Diet: Omnivore – eats frozen foods, flakes, pellets, and algae
• Care Level: Easy (but aggression management needed)
• Jump Risk: Low (but still recommended to have a lid)

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🎨 Appearance

Juvenile Three Spot Domino Damselfish have a jet-black body with three distinctive white spots:

• One between the eyes
• One on the upper body near the dorsal fin
• One at the base of the tail

As they mature, the spots may fade, and they develop a more uniform dark body color.

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🌿 Behavior & Habitat

This species is extremely hardy and adapts well to a wide range of aquarium conditions. However, it is known for being territorial and aggressive, particularly toward more peaceful fish and newcomers.

• Juveniles are schooling and peaceful, but adults become solitary and dominant
• Territoriality increases with age and tank size doesn’t always curb aggression
• Establishes a territory, often harassing fish that invade its space

Best suited for large tanks with bold or semi-aggressive tank mates.

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🤝 Compatibility

✅ Best Tank Mates (Aggressive/Semi-Aggressive Community)

• Large Clownfish (e.g., Maroon, Tomato)
• Large Angelfish (e.g., Emperor, Blueface)
• Tang species (e.g., Yellow Tang, Sailfin)
• Triggerfish (e.g., Picasso, Niger)
• Pufferfish
• Hawkfish
• Groupers (in appropriate sized tanks)

⚠️ Use Caution With

• Dottybacks (can lead to clashes in confined spaces)
• Damsels of similar or smaller size (may be bullied)
• Wrasses (only larger, assertive species)

🚫 Not Recommended With

• Small, peaceful fish (e.g., Gobies, Blennies, Firefish, Anthias)
• Seahorses and pipefish
• Fairy and Flasher Wrasses
• Smaller or more docile Damselfish species

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🌀 Compatibility With Wrasses

Due to their bold temperament, Domino Damsels should only be kept with large, assertive wrasses, such as:

• Harlequin Tusk Wrasse (Choerodon fasciatus)
• Large Thalassoma Wrasses
• Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius)

🚫 Not compatible with:

• Pink Streak Wrasse, Possum Wrasse, Flasher or Fairy Wrasses
  These delicate or peaceful species will likely be bullied or harassed.

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✅ Summary

The Three Spot Domino Damselfish is an ideal choice for hobbyists seeking a hardy, bold fish for large, aggressive community tanks. While juveniles are social and eye-catching, adults demand space and respect from other tank mates.

• ✔️ Very hardy and beginner-friendly (with caution on aggression)
• ✔️ Bold appearance, especially in juveniles
• ❗ Best suited for large, aggressive community tanks
• ❗ Will bully small, peaceful, or timid fish
• ❗ Not recommended for nano or peaceful reef tanks

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Would you also like me to prepare a comparison chart of the Pink Streak Wrasse vs. Domino Damsel for easy reference? If yes, just say “yes, chart”.