Common Names: Blue Velvet Damselfish, Blue-streak Damselfish, Javanese Damselfish

Scientific Name: Paraglyphidodon oxyodon

Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia to the Philippines)

Max Size: 15 cm (approx. 6 inches) Quite large for a damselfish

Lifespan: 510+ years

Temperament: Highly Aggressive (especially as adults)

Diet: Omnivore Primarily feeds on zooplankton and algae

Care Level: Very Easy

Juvenile: Jet-black body with two to three electric blue stripes on the face and back, and a vibrant white-to-yellow spot on the dorsal fin. This is the stage most commonly seen in stores.

Adult: The brilliant blue stripes eventually disappear. The adult becomes a stark, dark grey-to-black fish with a yellow-white vertical band behind the head. While still a handsome, “tough-looking” fish, it loses its neon glow entirely.

Aggression Level: Among the most aggressive damselfish in the hobby. As they grow, they become extremely territorial and will not hesitate to attack fish twice their size, including Tangs and Triggerfish.

The “Bully” Factor: They are known for rearranging small pieces of rockwork and sand to suit their territory, and they may harass any newcomers added to the tank after they have established a home.

Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They do not eat corals or clams, but their aggressive behavior can stress out other reef inhabitants.

Tank Mates: Best kept with other highly aggressive or robust fish like Dottybacks, Large Angelfish, and Triggerfish. Avoid peaceful species like Gobies, Blennies, or Firefish.

Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) is required for a juvenile, but a 200L300L (5575 Gallon) tank is much better for an adult to help disperse its aggression.

Rockwork: Provide substantial live rock with large caves and tunnels. This allows the fish to claim a territory, which is essential for its well-being (and the safety of its neighbors).

Filtration: Like most damsels, they are incredibly hardy, but they thrive in well-maintained water with moderate flow.

Lid: They are fast, powerful swimmers and can jump if involved in a territorial dispute. A secure lid is mandatory.

Common Names: Blue Velvet Damselfish, Blue-streak Damselfish, Javanese Damselfish

Scientific Name: Paraglyphidodon oxyodon

Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia to the Philippines)

Max Size: 15 cm (approx. 6 inches) Quite large for a damselfish

Lifespan: 510+ years

Temperament: Highly Aggressive (especially as adults)

Diet: Omnivore Primarily feeds on zooplankton and algae

Care Level: Very Easy

Juvenile: Jet-black body with two to three electric blue stripes on the face and back, and a vibrant white-to-yellow spot on the dorsal fin. This is the stage most commonly seen in stores.

Adult: The brilliant blue stripes eventually disappear. The adult becomes a stark, dark grey-to-black fish with a yellow-white vertical band behind the head. While still a handsome, “tough-looking” fish, it loses its neon glow entirely.

Aggression Level: Among the most aggressive damselfish in the hobby. As they grow, they become extremely territorial and will not hesitate to attack fish twice their size, including Tangs and Triggerfish.

The “Bully” Factor: They are known for rearranging small pieces of rockwork and sand to suit their territory, and they may harass any newcomers added to the tank after they have established a home.

Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They do not eat corals or clams, but their aggressive behavior can stress out other reef inhabitants.

Tank Mates: Best kept with other highly aggressive or robust fish like Dottybacks, Large Angelfish, and Triggerfish. Avoid peaceful species like Gobies, Blennies, or Firefish.

Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) is required for a juvenile, but a 200L300L (5575 Gallon) tank is much better for an adult to help disperse its aggression.

Rockwork: Provide substantial live rock with large caves and tunnels. This allows the fish to claim a territory, which is essential for its well-being (and the safety of its neighbors).

Filtration: Like most damsels, they are incredibly hardy, but they thrive in well-maintained water with moderate flow.

Lid: They are fast, powerful swimmers and can jump if involved in a territorial dispute. A secure lid is mandatory.

Common Names: Blue Velvet Damselfish, Blue-streak Damselfish, Javanese Damselfish

Scientific Name: Paraglyphidodon oxyodon

Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia to the Philippines)

Max Size: 15 cm (approx. 6 inches) Quite large for a damselfish

Lifespan: 510+ years

Temperament: Highly Aggressive (especially as adults)

Diet: Omnivore Primarily feeds on zooplankton and algae

Care Level: Very Easy

Juvenile: Jet-black body with two to three electric blue stripes on the face and back, and a vibrant white-to-yellow spot on the dorsal fin. This is the stage most commonly seen in stores.

Adult: The brilliant blue stripes eventually disappear. The adult becomes a stark, dark grey-to-black fish with a yellow-white vertical band behind the head. While still a handsome, “tough-looking” fish, it loses its neon glow entirely.

Aggression Level: Among the most aggressive damselfish in the hobby. As they grow, they become extremely territorial and will not hesitate to attack fish twice their size, including Tangs and Triggerfish.

The “Bully” Factor: They are known for rearranging small pieces of rockwork and sand to suit their territory, and they may harass any newcomers added to the tank after they have established a home.

Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They do not eat corals or clams, but their aggressive behavior can stress out other reef inhabitants.

Tank Mates: Best kept with other highly aggressive or robust fish like Dottybacks, Large Angelfish, and Triggerfish. Avoid peaceful species like Gobies, Blennies, or Firefish.

Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) is required for a juvenile, but a 200L300L (5575 Gallon) tank is much better for an adult to help disperse its aggression.

Rockwork: Provide substantial live rock with large caves and tunnels. This allows the fish to claim a territory, which is essential for its well-being (and the safety of its neighbors).

Filtration: Like most damsels, they are incredibly hardy, but they thrive in well-maintained water with moderate flow.

Lid: They are fast, powerful swimmers and can jump if involved in a territorial dispute. A secure lid is mandatory.

Common Names: Blue Velvet Damselfish, Blue-streak Damselfish, Javanese Damselfish

Scientific Name: Paraglyphidodon oxyodon

Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia to the Philippines)

Max Size: 15 cm (approx. 6 inches) Quite large for a damselfish

Lifespan: 510+ years

Temperament: Highly Aggressive (especially as adults)

Diet: Omnivore Primarily feeds on zooplankton and algae

Care Level: Very Easy

Juvenile: Jet-black body with two to three electric blue stripes on the face and back, and a vibrant white-to-yellow spot on the dorsal fin. This is the stage most commonly seen in stores.

Adult: The brilliant blue stripes eventually disappear. The adult becomes a stark, dark grey-to-black fish with a yellow-white vertical band behind the head. While still a handsome, “tough-looking” fish, it loses its neon glow entirely.

Aggression Level: Among the most aggressive damselfish in the hobby. As they grow, they become extremely territorial and will not hesitate to attack fish twice their size, including Tangs and Triggerfish.

The “Bully” Factor: They are known for rearranging small pieces of rockwork and sand to suit their territory, and they may harass any newcomers added to the tank after they have established a home.

Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They do not eat corals or clams, but their aggressive behavior can stress out other reef inhabitants.

Tank Mates: Best kept with other highly aggressive or robust fish like Dottybacks, Large Angelfish, and Triggerfish. Avoid peaceful species like Gobies, Blennies, or Firefish.

Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) is required for a juvenile, but a 200L300L (5575 Gallon) tank is much better for an adult to help disperse its aggression.

Rockwork: Provide substantial live rock with large caves and tunnels. This allows the fish to claim a territory, which is essential for its well-being (and the safety of its neighbors).

Filtration: Like most damsels, they are incredibly hardy, but they thrive in well-maintained water with moderate flow.

Lid: They are fast, powerful swimmers and can jump if involved in a territorial dispute. A secure lid is mandatory.