Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Aggressive

Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus has a bold, pugnacious, and highly territorial temperament. While beautiful as juveniles, their aggression increases significantly as they grow into adults. They are not intimidated by larger fish and will stand their ground. Careful planning of tankmates is required to ensure a harmonious community.

Diet

Omnivore

They are omnivores that feed on benthic algae, small crustaceans, and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, they eagerly accept a wide range of foods including high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Providing a diet rich in both meaty items and spirulina helps maintain their vivid coloration. They are aggressive eaters that rarely refuse a meal.

Sex ratio

Solitary

Males and females look practically identical, making visual sexing very difficult. During spawning, males may exhibit slightly intensified coloration and highly territorial behavior. It is usually best to keep them singly unless you are intentionally trying to form a bonded pair. Keeping a group often results in the dominant individual eliminating the others.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding them two to three times a day in small amounts is recommended to fuel their active lifestyle. They will quickly dart out to grab food from the water column. Because of their aggressive feeding behavior, ensure that more timid tankmates also receive their share. A varied diet prevents nutritional deficiencies over time.

Bioload

This species has a relatively small bioload, typical of most damselfish species. They are active swimmers and hearty eaters, but their small overall size keeps waste production manageable. A standard marine filtration system with live rock and a protein skimmer easily handles their output. Regular aquarium maintenance will keep the water quality pristine.

Flow

Strong

They thrive in moderate to strong water flow that mimics the turbulent reef crests they inhabit. Brisk water movement encourages their natural swimming and foraging behaviors. Strong circulation also helps keep the live rock free of detritus, which benefits the entire reef system. They are agile swimmers completely comfortable in high-flow environments.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

Damselfish are known to spawn in captivity, and Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus is no exception. The male will prepare a nesting site on a rock or shell and aggressively defend the eggs once deposited by the female. The eggs hatch into microscopic larvae that join the planktonic water column. Raising the larvae requires specialized setups and microscopic live foods.

Compatibility & tankmates

Reef safe

Like many damselfish, Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus can be highly territorial and aggressive, especially as they mature. They are considered reef safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates. However, they will fiercely defend their chosen territory against both conspecifics and other peaceful fish. They should be housed with moderately aggressive tankmates or in a sufficiently large tank.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

They are highly active fish that utilize all levels of the aquarium but will generally establish a specific territory in the mid-to-lower rockwork. They dart in and out of crevices constantly. Providing ample live rock with many hiding places is crucial for their well-being. They will fiercely defend their chosen rock against any intruders.