Azure damsel (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Azure damselfish, Azure demoiselle, Half-blue demoiselle, Yellow-dipped damsel
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, mainly the Coral Triangle; lagoons and near-shore reefs at 1–38 m.
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 aquarium with plenty of rock or coral structure for cover. 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: a non-migratory reef dweller that relies on coral and rock for shelter. It can school, but is aggressive and territorial towards intruders. Identification: neon-blue body with a gold underside and tail. The list gives up to 10 cm; the article gives 7 cm. Trade: popular, hardy and often recommended for beginners; it tolerates minor changes in water chemistry and has been bred in captivity. IUCN: Vulnerable, so captive-bred fish are preferable. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysipterahemicyanea). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Plankton and small invertebrates in the wild. In aquaria it accepts flake and frozen brine shrimp; add mysis and some algae-based food for variety.

Breeding

Not well studied for this species. In the genus, pairs lay eggs on a hard surface and the male guards and aerates them. The larval stage is short. It has been bred in captivity.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Fairly aggressive: choose tankmates carefully and avoid very timid or very small fish. Keep one per tank unless the tank is large.

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

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.