Four stripe damsel (Dascyllus melanurus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Four stripe damselfish, Blacktail dascyllus, Humbug damselfish, Blacktail damselfish, Blacktail humbug
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Western Pacific: Indo-Australian Archipelago, western Caroline Islands, Philippines, New Guinea and the northern Great Barrier Reef; isolated coral heads to about 10 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
100 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef or fish-only aquarium with branching structure. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 100 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 in groups of up to about 25; adults are territorial and become more aggressive with age. Identification: white with black bars, like D. aruanus but with a black tail. Usually 7.5–10 cm. Trade: very hardy and a good beginner fish. IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dascyllusmelanurus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivorous: algae, fish eggs, crustacean larvae, ostracods, amphipods, copepods, tunicates and sometimes small fish or shrimp. 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, but adults may eat small shrimps. Highly territorial: suits semi-aggressive to aggressive tanks rather than peaceful communities.

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

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