Care
In the wild, Yellow Tail Blue Damselfish may be found in small groups within sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs, usually amongst Acropora spp. corals, feeding mainly on zooplankton in the water column. Although these pretty fish are considered much less aggressive than many of the damselfish species, their assertiveness often increases with age and maturity. It is therefore advisable to keep either a single specimen, a known male-female pair, or a large sized odd-numbered shoal (9+) introduced simultaneously as juveniles into a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places amongst the rockwork. Smaller groups are often known to suffer fatalities. Choose tankmates with care, avoiding any really docile species such as firefish and cardinalfish. This vibrant species is very similar in appearance to the Emperor Damselfish (C. arnazae), but can be told apart fairly easily as C. parasema lacks the yellow posterior margins of the anal, dorsal, and pelvic fins that are seen on specimens of C. arnazae.
Feeding
Offer a varied diet consisting of small frozen foods such as Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp and finely chopped krill, plus marine flake food and herbivore rations. Feed small amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has spawned in the home aquarium, but as yet, the larvae have not been successfully raised to adulthood. In the wild, these fish have been observed forming distinct pairs when spawning. Male damselfish typically establish a territory and prepare surfaces of rubble or coral for females to deposit their adhesive, demersal eggs. Once the eggs are laid the male will quickly fertilize them and aggressively defend them from any intruders. He will also aerate the eggs until they hatch.
