Dascyllus melanurus

Datasheet

General Description

The Dascyllus melanurus, commonly known as the Blacktail humbug or Fourstripe damselfish, belongs to the Pomacentridae family. These fish are similar to chromis in behavior but are less colorful. They can exhibit aggression towards other species, particularly in territory disputes, and may be peaceful when kept in suitable environments.

Aquarium Suitability

The Blacktail humbug is suitable for most aquarium setups, provided there is enough space and stony corals with branches for them to hide. They are happiest when kept as a pair or in a shoal, with a shoal ideally consisting of one male to five or more females.

Demands

These fish are hardy in nature and prefer hiding among stony corals or other structures within the tank. They can be territorial and may display aggression towards each other, especially in smaller shoals. Additionally, the Blacktail humbug is known to be hermaphroditic, capable of changing gender from female to male as needed.

Care and Hardiness

Blacktail humbugs are considered hardy and can adapt well to various tank conditions. They prefer hiding spots among stony corals and require a tank size of at least 200 liters. These fish can be aggressive towards other fish species and may exhibit territorial behavior.

Reef Suitability

Always reef safe, these damselfish are a good choice for reef aquariums. They are known to coexist well with other reef inhabitants, provided adequate space and hiding spots are provided.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Blacktail humbugs, it is important to include stony corals with branches for hiding. A tank size of at least 200 liters is recommended, and the water conditions should be maintained with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Behaviour

Blacktail humbugs are known for their territorial behavior and may exhibit aggression towards other fish species, particularly when defending their territory. They tend to swim in shoals, especially when introduced into a new environment, but some individuals may become aggressive towards each other over time.

Feeding and Diet

These fish primarily feed on microalgae such as spirulina, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton including cyclops and pods. Feeding them a varied diet multiple times a day is essential for their health and well-being.

Dimorphism

The Blacktail humbug can change gender from female to male as needed. In pairs or shoals, a female may transition to a male if required for the group's dynamics.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the Western Pacific region, from Sumatra to Vanuatu, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia, these fish are commonly found in reef environments. They prefer habitats with stony corals and branching structures where they can establish territories and hide when needed.