Blackmargined damsel (Pomacentrus nigromarginatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Blackmargined damselfish
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Western Pacific Ocean.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
9 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
75 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef or fish-only aquarium with rockwork and caves. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 75 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: little is recorded; like most Pomacentrus damsels expect it to claim a territory as it matures. Identification: the list gives up to 9 cm; the article about 8 cm. 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/Pomacentrusnigromarginatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous damsel. Offer frozen mysis and brine shrimp, flake, small pellets and algae-based food.

Breeding

The species article gives no breeding details. As general damselfish guidance, pairs lay sticky eggs on a hard surface the male has cleaned, and he guards and fans them until they hatch after a few days. The larvae are tiny and planktonic, so rearing needs live first foods such as rotifers.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. May become territorial with age; avoid very timid tankmates.

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

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