Product Description
The Four Stripe Damselfish (*Dascyllus melanurus), also called Black-Tailed Dascyllus, is a popular, hardy, and visually striking marine aquarium fish known for its bold black and white vertical bands, making it great for beginners, but its territorial and aggressive nature, especially as it matures, requires careful tank mates and plenty of hiding spots in a saltwater setup, feeding on omnivorous diets of algae, flakes, pellets, and frozen foods.
Identification & Appearance
Color: White body with three black vertical bands and a fourth black band on the tail.
Size: Grows to about 3-4 inches (8 cm).
Aquarium Care
Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons, with more space ideal to reduce aggression.
Habitat: Needs live rock with caves for hiding and territory establishment.
Compatibility: Can be aggressive, especially towards peaceful tank mates; best kept with other aggressive fish or in species-only tanks.
Reef Safe: Generally considered reef-safe as they don't harm invertebrates.
Diet
Type: Omnivorous.
Foods: Flakes, pellets, algae, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, copepods.
Behavior & Temperament
Hardiness: Excellent beginner saltwater fish due to hardiness.
Temperament: Can be territorial and aggressive as they age.
Activity: Active, enjoys exploring rockwork.
Key Considerations
Aggression: Its primary drawback; plan tank mates carefully.
Quarantine: Aquarium-conditioned (quarantined and treated) individuals are available and recommended.
