Ambon damsel (Pomacentrus amboinensis) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Ambon damselfish, Pomacentrus dimidiatus
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Western Pacific Ocean; coral reefs.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
80 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef or fish-only aquarium with plenty of rockwork and caves. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 80 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources). Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep conditions stable with good filtration and regular water changes. Behaviour: in the wild a group usually consists of one adult male guarding a nest on the seabed with several females, which rarely move once settled. Like most damsels it becomes more territorial as it matures. Identification: yellow damsel; juveniles have a dark eyespot on the dorsal fin that adults usually lose. The list gives up to 10 cm; the article about 9 cm. Behavioural experiments have shown it has colour vision. Trade: occasionally traded. IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomacentrusamboinensis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous damsel. Offer a mix of frozen mysis and brine shrimp, flake, small pellets and algae-based foods.

Breeding

Protogynous: all fish start as females and some later become males. The male guards a nest on the substrate. Some males keep a juvenile-like appearance, which may let them slip into dominant males' groups.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Can bully smaller, peaceful fish, so add it after more timid species and provide plenty of hiding places.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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