Speckled damselfish
Pomacentrus bankanensis
Pomacentrus bankanensis is a small, active, and very hardy damselfish. It is generally less aggressive than other damselfish, making it suitable for beginners.
Wassertemperatur
24 - 28 °C
pH-Wert
8.1 - 8.4
Wassertyp
Meerwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten und in der Mitte
Erwachsenengröße
9 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 100 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 1
KH
8 - 12 dKH
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat:
This species is widely distributed across the Western Indo-Pacific. It is commonly found from the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. It inhabits shallow coastal reefs, lagoons, and coral rubble zones at depths between 1 and 12 meters.
Taxonomy and Morphology:
Belonging to the family Pomacentridae, it has an oval, laterally compressed body with a small, terminal mouth. Adults reach a maximum total length of approximately 9 centimeters. The posterior portion of the dorsal fin features a distinctive dark ocellus (eyespot) ringed in electric blue.
Social Behavior:
It is an active and territorial species that stays close to the reef structure. While it defends a small home range among the rocks or corals, it exhibits a much lower level of aggression compared to other damselfishes. In the aquarium, it will establish a territory but generally coexists well with other fish.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism:
The body coloration is golden-brown to orange, highlighted by thin lines and spots of electric blue on the head and upper body. The caudal fin is white or pale yellow. A black spot ringed with blue is present on the rear of the dorsal fin. No visible external sexual dimorphism is present between males and females.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup:
Requires a marine aquarium of at least 150 liters. The layout must include plenty of live rock arranged to create caves, crevices, and swim-throughs, allowing the fish to establish its micro-territory without constantly harassing other tankmates. Leave open swimming space in the upper water column.
Diet and Feeding:
An opportunistic omnivore that readily accepts almost any aquarium food. Provide a varied diet consisting of high-quality dry flakes or pellets, supplemented with frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis, copepods, and preparations containing marine algae. Feed once or twice daily.
Water Quality:
This is an extremely hardy and tolerant species. Ideal parameters are: temperature between 24°C and 28°C, pH range from 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity from 1.020 to 1.025, and carbonate hardness (KH) of 8 to 12 dKH. Regular water changes and a standard filtration system are sufficient to keep it healthy.
Compatibility and Cohabitation:
It is reef safe and does not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. It is compatible with a wide range of marine fish such as tangs, wrasses, clownfish, and anthias. Although territorial, it rarely causes harm in adequately sized aquariums. Avoid housing it with large predatory tankmates.
Aquarium Breeding:
Breeding in home aquariums is possible but requires a established pair. They spawn adhesive eggs on clean, hard surfaces. The male guards and aggressively fans the eggs until they hatch. The larvae are planktonic and require microscopic live feeds, which are difficult to culture.
Risks and Diseases:
Highly resistant to common marine parasites and diseases. The main risks are associated with transport stress or severe water quality neglect, which can lead to opportunistic infections. It acclimates very quickly to the home aquarium environment, making it a robust choice.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
This species is widely distributed across the Western Indo-Pacific. It is commonly found from the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. It inhabits shallow coastal reefs, lagoons, and coral rubble zones at depths between 1 and 12 meters.
Ursprung
Tropische Ozeane und RiffeSüd- und SüdostasienOstasienAustralien, Neuguinea und Ozeanien
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Like many damselfish, the Pomacentrus bankanensis possesses a bold and sometimes pugnacious temperament. While less aggressive than some notorious damsel species, they are fiercely territorial of their chosen nesting or hiding spots. They are known to assert themselves even against larger fish if their space is threatened. To maintain a peaceful community, they should be housed with fish of similar temperament or larger size. Careful planning of tank additions and ample rockwork can help manage their feisty nature.
- Diät
- Omnivore
- The Pomacentrus bankanensis is an omnivore in the wild, grazing on benthic algae and consuming tiny invertebrates. In a captive environment, they are eager eaters that will accept almost any aquarium fare offered. Providing a balanced diet of meaty foods like mysis and brine shrimp, alongside high-quality herbivore preparations or spirulina flakes, is essential. Regular varied feedings ensure they receive the full spectrum of nutrition required for vibrant colors and strong immunity. Their robust appetite makes them very easy to feed in most setups.
- Lebenserwartung
- 3-6 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 9 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Harem
- Sexing the Pomacentrus bankanensis is extremely difficult for the average aquarist, as there are no prominent physical differences between the genders. They are generally not sexually dimorphic, though males may exhibit slightly more intense coloration during courtship. In the home aquarium, keeping a small group can eventually lead to pair formation, but it may also result in significant territorial disputes. For most setups, it is often safer to keep a single specimen to avoid conspecific aggression. Understanding their sex is largely unnecessary unless a dedicated breeding project is planned.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- Due to their active swimming and continuous foraging behavior, the Pomacentrus bankanensis benefits from being fed multiple times a day. Offering two to three small meals daily is preferred over a single large feeding. This routine helps reduce aggression, as a well-fed damselfish is generally less territorial. It also ensures that other, slower-eating tank mates have a fair chance to consume their share. Careful portion control during these frequent feedings prevents the accumulation of excess detritus.
- Bioload
- Low to Medium
- The Pomacentrus bankanensis has a relatively moderate bioload considering its small size, primarily due to its energetic lifestyle. They consume food enthusiastically and consequently produce a steady amount of waste in the aquarium. Ensuring efficient mechanical and biological filtration is necessary to keep water parameters stable. Regular partial water changes will help export dissolved organics efficiently. An appropriately sized protein skimmer is beneficial for maintaining the high water quality they thrive in.
- Fluss
- Strong
- The Pomacentrus bankanensis prefers areas with moderate to strong water movement, typical of the reef habitats they originate from. Good flow encourages them to stay active and mimics the natural currents that deliver food particles. Strong circulation also helps keep the water well-oxygenated, which is vital for their fast metabolism. They often dart in and out of the current while exploring the rockwork. Ensuring there are also slightly calmer areas allows them to rest when necessary.
- Sprungrisiko
- No
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding the Pomacentrus bankanensis in captivity is relatively straightforward in terms of spawning, as they frequently lay eggs in established aquariums. The male typically selects a crevice or a flat surface, cleans it thoroughly, and courts the female. Once eggs are laid, the male becomes highly aggressive, vigorously defending the clutch from any perceived threats until they hatch. However, the subsequent rearing of the minuscule, pelagic fry is immensely difficult. It requires specialized rearing tanks, rotifers, and expert dedication to achieve success.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Community
- When it comes to compatibility, the Pomacentrus bankanensis can be somewhat territorial, particularly as they establish a designated home within the rockwork. While they are reef safe and will not harm corals, they may chase away smaller or similarly sized fish that encroach on their territory. They are best housed with moderately aggressive to robust peaceful community fish that can hold their own. Keeping them with shy, easily intimidated species is generally discouraged to prevent undue stress. Adding them as one of the last fish in a tank can help mitigate aggressive territorial behaviors.
- Tankfüllstand
- Middle/Bottom
- The Pomacentrus bankanensis tends to occupy the lower to middle sections of the aquarium, closely associating with the rockwork. They require an intricate aquascape with numerous caves, overhangs, and hiding places to feel secure. They will quickly claim a specific crevice or hole as their primary residence and defend the immediate area. Providing ample live rock allows them to exhibit natural foraging behaviors and territorial displays. While they stay near the rocks, they will venture out to feed and interact.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 2,7 ± 0,3 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Hoch (weniger als 15 Monate)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.01445, b = 3
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
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