Dascyllus Melanurus (The Four-Stripe Damselfish)

Overview

• Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky coastal environments.
• Recognized by its bold black and white striped pattern, similar to the three-stripe damselfish but with an extra stripe near the tail.
• A hardy and resilient species, often forming groups around coral structures for shelter.
• Can be territorial, particularly as it matures, making careful tankmate selection essential.
• Best suited for aquariums with stable water conditions, live rock formations, and adequate swimming space.

Feeding

• Omnivorous, feeding on plankton, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild.
• Thrives on a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and algae-based foods.
• Readily accepts prepared foods but benefits from occasional live or frozen food supplementation.
• Should be fed multiple times daily to maintain energy levels and promote proper growth.
• A well-balanced diet enhances coloration and supports a healthy immune system.

Habitat

• Prefers reef-associated environments with moderate to strong water flow.
• Frequently found schooling near coral heads, rock crevices, and artificial reef structures.
• Aquarium setups should include live rock for shelter and open swimming areas to accommodate its active nature.
• Requires stable water parameters and a well-maintained filtration system to ensure long-term success.
• Providing shaded areas and structured environments encourages natural schooling behaviors.

Fish Care

• Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) to maintain metabolic balance and overall health.
• Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
• Requires regular water changes and high-quality filtration to maintain clean water conditions.
• Reef-safe but can be aggressive toward smaller or weaker tankmates, especially in smaller aquariums.
• Providing ample rockwork and hiding spots helps mitigate aggressive tendencies and territorial disputes.

Compatibility

• Semi-aggressive, especially as it matures, and best housed with other robust fish species.
• Compatible with clownfish, wrasses, tangs, and other similarly tempered reef fish.
• Should not be housed with overly timid or slow-moving fish that may become targets of aggression.
• Best kept in groups of three or more to disperse aggression within their own species.
• Providing a well-structured aquarium with sufficient swimming space and hiding areas helps maintain harmony.

Aquarium Behavior

• An active swimmer that tends to establish and defend territories near rock structures and coral formations.
• Frequently seen schooling when young but may become more solitary or aggressive as it matures.
• More confident and less aggressive when provided with adequate space and hiding spots.
• Providing a balanced reef environment encourages natural behaviors and social interactions.
• Over time, it may recognize its caretaker and become more interactive, particularly during feeding sessions.