Ocellate damsel Care Guide

The Ocellate Damsel is a vibrant and moderately rare species that originates from the Western Pacific Ocean. Known for its striking color, it is an uncommon choice for aquarists, offering a moderately vibrant display in your aquarium.

Care Process

With a moderate hardiness rating, the Ocellate Damsel can adapt to changes in its environment, though it is recommended for aquarists with some experience due to its moderate care difficulty. This species thrives in water temperatures between 24°C and 28°C. The pH level should be maintained between 8.0 and 8.4 to ensure optimal health.

Feeding

The Ocellate Damsel is an omnivorous species that requires a balanced diet. Their diet should include a mix of high-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. It is important to feed them small amounts several times a day rather than a large meal once a day, as this helps maintain their energy levels and coloration.

Tank Setup

To support the environmental needs of the Ocellate Damsel, it is essential to provide a tank with at least 40 liters of water per fish. The tank should be well-oxygenated and equipped with a good filtration system to maintain water quality. When setting up the aquarium, it's essential to create an environment with ample hiding spaces using live rock structures or aquarium decorations. This species is highly territorial, so providing individual territories can help minimize aggressive interactions.

Compatibility

While the Ocellate Damsel is territorial and can demonstrate aggressive behavior, especially towards conspecifics and smaller fish, they can coexist with other species if the tank is spacious enough. It's advisable to introduce them to the tank last, after establishing territories for tank mates.

Breeding

Breeding the Ocellate Damsel in captivity can be challenging. They often spawn in established tanks with stable conditions. Providing a quiet environment and proper nutrition is crucial during the breeding phase. Success in breeding can result in the female laying eggs on a flat surface, with the male guarding the eggs.

Conservation Status

The Ocellate Damsel is listed as a species of "Least Concern" when it comes to conservation status. However, responsible sourcing from sustainable fisheries or captive breeding programs is recommended to avoid environmental impact.