Bluefin damsel (Neoglyphidodon melas) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Bowtie damselfish, Black damselfish
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to northern Australia; coral and rocky lagoons and soft-coral reefs at 1–12 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
18 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
200 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution
Lifespan
2–3 (captive) years

Care

Tank: a fish-only or robust reef aquarium with rockwork. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 200 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: adults living near a giant clam are less aggressive than those without one. Larvae gather around Acropora branches, probably for protection and food. Identification: juveniles are pale with blue and yellow fins; adults turn black. The list gives up to 18 cm; the article 11.8–18 cm. Health: captive fish in the Red Sea have been recorded with Tenacibaculum infections, and indoor rearing may add stress. IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoglyphidodonmelas). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Adults and juveniles eat soft corals in the wild, and adults also feed on the waste of giant Tridacna clams; larvae eat plankton. In aquaria offer meaty frozen foods, pellets, flake and algae-based foods.

Breeding

Pairs form and the female glues her eggs to a flat reef surface. The male guards and fans them until they hatch after 3–7 days. The length of the planktonic larval stage is unknown. Wild lifespan is unknown; captive fish live about 2–3 years.

Compatibility and tank mates

The list says reef safe, but the species article records adults eating soft corals, so it is marked "with caution" here: avoid it in tanks with soft corals or giant clams. It becomes territorial; keep with sturdy fish of similar size.

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

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