Blue and gold damsel (Pomacentrus coelestis) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Neon damselfish, Blue-and-gold damselfish
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific from Sri Lanka and the Andaman Sea to Japan, Australia, the Pacific islands and Hawaii; coral reefs and lagoons at 1–20 m.
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 aquarium with rockwork and soft corals. 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: juveniles school above soft corals, and adults gather in small or large groups over favoured parts of the reef. Identification: electric blue with yellow on the belly and fins. Up to 9 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/Pomacentruscoelestis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Zooplankton and bottom algae in the wild. Offer frozen mysis and brine shrimp, flake and algae-based foods.

Breeding

The species article gives no breeding details. As with other damsels, eggs are laid on a hard surface and guarded by the male.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Moderately territorial; best with other semi-aggressive fish or as a group in a larger tank.

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

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