Rolland's Damselfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widespread in the Western Pacific, from southern Japan (Ryukyu Islands) to the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and the Loyalty Islands. Inhabits sandy sheltered lagoons and shallow rocky reefs at depths of 2 to 35 meters, often associated with coral clumps and seagrass.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Pomacentridae, genus Chrysiptera. Features an oval, laterally compressed body. Maximum size is modest, reaching approximately 7.5 cm in length.

Social Behavior: Semi-aggressive but significantly more docile than most other damselfishes. Stays close to its chosen rock shelter. Can be kept singly or in mated pairs.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a distinct bicolour coloration: the head and anterior body are bright blue or blackish, while the posterior body and tail are whitish-grey or yellowish. No visible external sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 115 liters. Provide plenty of live rock forming small caves and crevices for territory establishment. Highly suitable for SPS/LPS reef setups.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Readily accepts flakes, pellets, and small frozen foods like mysis, brine shrimp, and spirulina-based preparations. Feed twice daily.

Water Quality: Exceptionally hardy and tolerant. Standard parameters: temperature 23-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity (SG) 1.020-1.025, GH 15-25, KH 8-12. Appreciates moderate water flow.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef safe. Compatible with other reef fish of similar temperament. Avoid housing with extremely timid species or highly aggressive damselfishes.

Aquarium Reproduction: Oviparous. The male guards the adhesive egg clutch inside his cave until hatching. Breeding is complex but achievable in dedicated setups.

Risks and Diseases: Very robust and highly resistant to common reef diseases. May display moderate territorial aggression toward small intruders.