Three Stripe Damsel

The Three Stripe Damsel (Dascyllus aruanus) has bold black bands on a pale body and a pale tail. Its compact juvenile appearance can be misleading because adult territorial behaviour is an important part of its suitability for a community.

Provide a rockscape with several hiding areas and choose tankmates able to coexist with an assertive damselfish. A shy fish may be excluded from its preferred area even without visible injury. Plan for this behaviour before introducing the damsel to an established peaceful display.

Feed small meaty marine foods together with appropriate herbivore or omnivore preparations. Observe the whole community at feeding time and make sure food reaches less dominant fish. Moving a few decorations is not a dependable solution if the available space cannot support separate territories.