Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera Hemicyanea)

Species Name : Chrysiptera Hemicyanea

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Blue, Yellow

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 2¾"

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Pomacentridae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera Hemicyanea), also known as the Half-blue Damselfish, is a two-tone, darting marine fish. The front portion of the body is bright blue. The posterior portion, anal fin, and tail are yellow. This tropical marine fish reaches 7 centimetres (2.8 in) in length. The  Azure Damselfish are easy to keep and known for being very resistant to disease. They are generally easy to find for sale and have relaxed personalities. 

They will do well in both reef setups and fish only aquariums. A 30 gallon aquarium or larger with plenty of rockwork and décor is ideal. Rock and coral setups that provide many hiding places for them is necessary to keep these fish happy when housed with other bigger fish. They enjoy swimming in mid to lower parts of the tank, as they are preyed upon in the wild they need many places to dart into quickly to feel safe. They will utilize small nooks and crannies in the rock and coral work and a sand bed is not needed with these fish as they are not known for diving into the substrates. Because it can tolerate substandard water parameters, it is a popular fish among beginning hobbyists. 

Maintain this species with other semi-aggressive fish, as they can become territorial as they mature. In larger reef aquariums, this is normally not a problem if plenty of hiding places are provided. If setup right they will be a great addition to the tank as they will leave your corals and inverts alone.

The Azure Damselfish are Omnivores. In the wild they will feed on zooplankton and also some algae. In the home aquarium it is important to provide them with a diet that has lots of proteins. Meaty foods like frozen seafoods, Cyclop-eeze, brine shrimp that are vitamin-enriched and mysis shrimp are ideal for them, they can also be fed some flake foods at times. Bright coloring can be maintained by providing some color enhancing foods. Small amounts of feeds several times a day is the best way to feed them.

Feeding more regularly helps eliminate any tension in the tank with other tankmates as the Damsels can protect their little area of the tank a lot during feeds.