Blue velvet damsel (Paraglyphidodon oxyodon) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Bluestreak damselfish, Bluevelvet damselfish, Javanese damselfish, Java damselfish, Bluebanded damselfish
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Western Pacific from Indonesia to the Philippines and Ashmore Reef; shallow reef flats and lagoons at 0–4 m, around Acropora heads.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef aquarium with branching structure and caves to shelter in at night. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 150 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources), because it needs a large territory. 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: active by day and territorial; it often chases peaceful fish and needs plenty of room. Identification: velvety black with bright blue streaks and a yellow band behind the head in juveniles. Up to 15 cm. Trade: rarely seen in the hobby because it has not been bred in captivity, and often described as the most expensive damselfish. The article cites a 2022 IUCN assessment without giving the category. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraglyphidodonoxyodon). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivorous: zooplankton and filamentous algae. Offer frozen mysis and brine shrimp, flake, pellets and algae-based foods.

Breeding

The male clears a nest on rock or coral and courts females, who lay eggs there; he fertilises and guards them until they hatch after about three days to a week. Females can lay up to 20,000 eggs, and a male may spawn with several females. Not yet bred in captivity.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Territorial and pushy: keep with robust fish of similar size and avoid small, peaceful species.

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

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