Chrysiptera traceyi

Datasheet

General Description

The Tracey's Damselfish, named after its vibrant and striking coloration, is a relative newcomer to the aquarium trade but has quickly gained popularity for its uncommon beauty. This species boasts a mix of regal purple transitioning to canary yellow hues with accents of warm pink and orange, creating a visually stunning appearance.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered easy to care for, the Tracey's Damselfish thrives in aquariums of 30 gallons or larger with ample hiding spots. While typically peaceful towards other tank mates, there may be displays of territorial behavior towards conspecifics or similar-sized fish. Keeping them in odd-numbered groups can enhance their presence and reduce aggression.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

With easy care requirements akin to other Damselfish, the Tracey's Damselfish is a hardy species. They adapt well to tank life and can tolerate fluctuations in water parameters within suitable ranges. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 dKH is crucial for their well-being.

Reef Suitability

Reef enthusiasts will appreciate the reef compatibility of the Tracey's Damselfish. This species is known to be safe around corals and invertebrates, making it a favorable choice for mixed reef setups.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up a tank for Tracey's Damselfish, provide hiding spots using live rock or artificial structures. Creating a diverse environment with caves, crevices, and open swimming areas mimics their natural habitat and promotes natural behavior. Ensuring a minimum tank size of 30 gallons or 113 liters allows ample space for their activity.

Behaviour

As semi-aggressive fish, Tracey's Damselfish may display territorial behavior, particularly towards similar-sized tank mates. Observing their interactions can help determine the need for adjustments in group size or tank layout to reduce aggression levels.

Feeding and Diet

Being omnivores, Tracey's Damselfish have a varied diet that includes meaty foods like frozen mysis or brine shrimp, herbivore preparations, and high-quality flakes. Offering a diverse diet rich in proteins and vegetable matter ensures their nutritional needs are met for optimal health and coloration.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

While there is no specific information provided on dimorphism or captive reproduction of Tracey's Damselfish, observations in a well-maintained aquarium setting may reveal any distinguishing characteristics between males and females, as well as potential breeding behaviors.

Habitat and Distribution

The Tracey's Damselfish, scientifically known as Chrysiptera traceyi, can be found in the wild inhabiting coral reefs in the Western Pacific Ocean. Their natural range includes regions with diverse coral formations where they seek shelter and forage for food.