Neon damsel (Pomacentrus alleni) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Allen's damsel, Allen's damselfish
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific coral reefs (range not checked for this page).
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
6 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
60 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef or fish-only aquarium with rockwork and caves for shelter. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 60 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: Like most Pomacentrus damsels, expect some territoriality with age. Identification: A small damsel up to about 6 cm. Trade: not CITES-listed. This page is based on the Wikipedia list entry only; the species article was not checked, so range and behaviour details should be confirmed before relying on them. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

No diet details were checked for this species. As general guidance for damsels, offer a varied omnivorous diet of frozen mysis and brine shrimp, flake, small pellets and algae-based food.

Breeding

No species-specific breeding information was checked for this page. As general damselfish guidance, pairs lay sticky eggs on a hard surface the male has cleaned, and he guards and fans them until they hatch after a few days. The larvae are tiny and planktonic, so rearing needs live first foods such as rotifers.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe per the list. Suits semi-aggressive community tanks.

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

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