🐠 Four Stripe Damselfish (Dascyllus melanurus)
🐠 Four Stripe Damselfish (Dascyllus melanurus)
Marine Damselfish • Hardy Beginner Species • Reef-Compatible • Active Community Fish
📋 The Four Stripe Damselfish (Dascyllus melanurus) is a classic and hardy saltwater species recognized by its bold black-and-white barring and compact body shape. Highly adaptable and resilient, this damselfish thrives in a wide variety of marine environments and is often chosen for new setups or hardy community aquariums.
While peaceful as juveniles, adults can become territorial—especially when defending their preferred rock crevice or coral head. This behavior makes them well-suited to tanks with confident or semi-aggressive fish, while they may intimidate timid tank mates.
Active, visually striking, and easy to care for, the Four Stripe Damselfish is a staple species that brings both color contrast and movement to saltwater displays.
💡 Highlights
✨ Bold Black & White Stripes: Iconic coloration that stands out in reef tanks
⚪ Hardy Species: Excellent beginner choice
📏 Compact Size: Stays small at around 8 cm
✅ Reef Compatible: Safe with corals and most invertebrates
🐠 Active Swimmer: Constant motion and personality
🧾 A Quick Look at the Four Stripe Damselfish
📛 Common Name: Four Stripe Damselfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Dascyllus melanurus
👨👩👧 Family: Pomacentridae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific
📏 Max Size: 8 cm (≈ 3.1″)
💧 pH Range: 8.1–8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24–27 °C (≈ 75–81 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Easy
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive
🪸 Reef Safe: ✅ Yes, but may defend territory
🏠 Min Tank Size: 120 L (≈ 32 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: All levels
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 5–8+ years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore
🐣 Reproduction: Egg-layer; male guards the nest

















