Domino damsel (Dascyllus trimaculatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Three spot damsel, Domino, Threespot dascyllus
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Pitcairn Islands, southern Japan and Australia; to about 55 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
14 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a fish-only or robust reef aquarium with rockwork. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 150 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources), because it grows fast and becomes very territorial. 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 form small groups around coral heads or rocks. Juveniles shelter in large anemones, among sea urchin spines or in branching corals, and may share an anemone with some clownfish. It recognises its own species by sound. Identification: black with three white spots (one on the forehead and one on each side) that fade with age. The list gives up to 14 cm; the article says up to 13 cm in the wild and 14 cm in a large aquarium. Trade: easy to keep but very aggressive. 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/Dascyllustrimaculatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Algae, copepods and other planktonic crustaceans in the wild. Offer frozen mysis and brine shrimp, flake, pellets and algae-based food.

Breeding

The species article gives no breeding details. As with other Dascyllus, the male guards eggs laid on a hard surface.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe with corals and invertebrates, but very aggressive towards fish. Keep with large, robust tankmates and add it last; not for peaceful community tanks.

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

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