Care
In the wild, Tricolour Damselfish may be found in small groups within lagoons, harbours, and outerreef slopes, usually amongst corals and coral rubble, feeding mainly onzooplankton in the water column. Although these pretty fish are considered muchless aggressive than many of the damselfish species, their assertiveness oftenincreases with age and maturity. It is therefore advisable to keep either asingle specimen, a known male-female pair, or a large sized odd-numbered shoal(9+) introduced simultaneously as juveniles into a spacious tank with plenty ofhiding places amongst the rockwork. Smaller groups are often known to sufferfatalities. Choose tankmates with care, avoiding any really docile species suchas firefish and cardinalfish. There are some regional variations in the colourand markings of this species: those from the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu have a white body with a broad blue-black oblique bandfrom the chest to the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is yellowish anteriorly. Thosefrom other localities (pictured here) tend to have a green to blue-black body,gradually shading to yellow-white ventrally. There are narrow blue lines above andthrough the eye, and the dorsal fin is green-black. May also be seen on sale as Rolland's Demoiselle.
Feeding
Offer a varied diet consistingof small frozen foods such as Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp andfinely chopped krill, plus marine flake food and herbivore rations. Feed smallamounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bredin the home aquarium, but they are known to form distinct pairs in the wildwhen spawning. Male damselfish typically establish a territory and preparesurfaces of rubble or coral for females to deposit their adhesive, demersaleggs. Once the eggs are laid the male will quickly fertilize them andaggressively defend them from any intruders. He will also aerate the eggs untilthey hatch.
