{"product_id":"humbug-damselfish-dascyllus-aruanus","title":"Humbug Damselfish | Dascyllus aruanus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoldly striped in black and white, the Humbug Damselfish is hardy, characterful and quick to claim a patch of branching coral. Tough and easy, but it will defend its turf.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, Humbug Damselfish is associated with Indo-Pacific branching coral habitats. These areas typically contain branching corals, rubble patches, reef slopes, lagoons or clear coastal reef edges with regular water movement and good oxygen levels. Chromis often hover above coral heads in loose groups where they feed on plankton, while damselfish are more likely to claim a small territory around rock, coral or algae growth. A captive aquarium should provide both open swimming room and secure shelter so the fish can display natural behaviour without feeling exposed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHumbug Damselfish reaches approximately 8 cm and has the compact, agile body shape typical of reef planktivores and damselfish. Colour may include blues, greens, yellows, black barring, pale tail markings or contrasting body zones depending on the species. Under quality marine lighting, healthy fish show a clean sheen, alert eyes and firm body condition. Juveniles may appear brighter or more delicate, while adults often become more confident and territorial as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is best described as Hardy and territorial. Chromis are generally more peaceful and do best with other community marine fish, while damselfish can be more territorial once established. Suitable companions include clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, smaller wrasse, peaceful tangs, rabbitfish and robust reef-safe fish. Add more timid species before highly territorial damsels where possible. Avoid placing small passive fish into a cramped aquarium after territorial damselfish have settled, as chasing may occur.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHumbug Damselfish is generally not difficult to feed once acclimated. Offer Omnivore; enriched frozen mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, marine pellets, flakes and occasional algae-based foods. Small frequent feeds are ideal, especially for active chromis that naturally pick plankton from the water column. A mix of frozen and dry food improves colour, growth and immune strength. Feed only what the fish consume quickly and maintain strong filtration to avoid nutrient build-up in reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinimum aquarium size is 80 L, with 150 L+ recommended for long-term stability and social behaviour. Keep temperature at 24–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity at 1.024–1.026 specific gravity. Provide moderate reef flow with calmer areas around rockwork, quality protein skimming, mature biological filtration and regular 10–20% water changes. Lighting can be standard reef lighting or moderate fish-only lighting. Aquascaping should include rock caves, branching structure and open swimming area. Schooling requirement: can be kept singly or as a compatible group in larger aquariums. Reef status is Generally reef safe. This species is generally coral safe and plant safe is not applicable to marine aquariums, though territorial damselfish may defend a chosen area of rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany damselfish are substrate spawners, with males guarding eggs laid on cleaned rock surfaces or cave walls. Chromis may also spawn in reef aquariums, but raising larvae is difficult because the fry require very small live foods and dedicated rearing systems. Courtship colour changes and nest defence can be seen in mature, well-fed fish, although successful survival of young in a display aquarium is uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDascyllus aruanus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumbug Damselfish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific branching coral habitats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–8 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardy and territorial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEasy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e80 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 L+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore; enriched frozen mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, marine pellets, flakes and occasional algae-based foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.024–1.026 specific gravity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine aquariums, reef aquariums and FOWLR systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenerally reef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, wrasse, peaceful tangs, rabbitfish and other community marine fish of similar size and confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid very small timid fish in cramped systems, large predatory fish that may swallow it, and aggressive tank mates that will prevent regular feeding. Territorial damsels should not be mixed into undersized aquariums with delicate fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55351892672803,"sku":null,"price":10.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55225851019555,"sku":"AA2338","price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Humbug_Damselfish_Dascyllus_aruanus_fb523174-79d2-4305-b560-cbd328764350.jpg?v=1781681225","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/humbug-damselfish-dascyllus-aruanus","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}