Hawaiian dascyllus (Dascyllus albisella) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Hawaiian domino, Domino damselfish, White-spotted damsel
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Eastern central Pacific: Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island; shallow, sheltered coral reefs to about 6 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
12.5 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
115 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef or fish-only aquarium with rockwork. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 115 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: relatively passive for a Dascyllus. Individuals hold territories and chase intruders, mostly those of similar size; males are usually the more aggressive sex. Juveniles form size-based hierarchies. It makes chirping sounds, with different patterns for its own and other species. Identification: dark with a white spot on each side. Up to 12.5 cm. Trade: IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dascyllusalbisella). Checked October 2026.

Diet

The article does not describe its diet. Offer a mix of frozen mysis and brine shrimp, flake, pellets and algae-based food.

Breeding

Males provide all care for the eggs. Females often stay near the nest after spawning and may help defend it, particularly when the eggs are threatened or the male is away.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Semi-aggressive: best with fish of similar size.

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

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.