Sapphire Devil has the scientific name Chrysiptera cyanea. This type of damselfish is found in the Indo-West Pacific region, but not in the Red Sea.
In 2013, some were spotted in the Mediterranean Sea near Slovenia, likely due to someone releasing them from an aquarium.
Sapphire Devil has other names like Blue Damselfish, Blue Demoiselle, Blue Devil, Cornflower Sergeant-major, Hedley’s Damselfish, Red Tail Australian Damsel, and Sky-blue Damsel.
Adult Sapphire Devils live in clear lagoons and reef flats with coral and rubble for shelter.
They usually swim in groups with one male and several females or young ones.
These fish eat algae, small floating animals called pelagic tunicates, and tiny crustaceans known as copepods.
They are also active during daytime hours and are safe for coral reefs.
Sapphire Devil Interesting Facts
- Sapphire Devils are found in the Indo-West Pacific region but have been spotted in the Mediterranean Sea near Slovenia.
- These fish live in clear lagoons and reef flats and usually swim in groups with one male and several females or young ones.
- They eat algae, pelagic tunicates, and tiny crustaceans called copepods.
- They lay eggs that stick to underwater surfaces during the breeding season. Males protect the eggs and provide oxygen.
Sapphire Devil Habitat
Sapphire Devil is found in the Indo-West Pacific region, which includes areas like Western Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
It also lives around Vanuatu and New Caledonia as well as some Micronesian islands. Sapphire Devils are associated with marine reefs and don’t migrate.
These fish usually swim at depths of 0 to 10 meters in tropical waters within a specific range of latitude and longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Sapphire Devil Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters)
Sapphire Devil is a small fish, reaching up to 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters) in length.
It has 13 dorsal spines and 12 to 13 dorsal soft rays, along with 2 anal spines and 13 to 14 anal soft rays.
This fish is easily identified by its bright blue color. Male and female Sapphire Devils have different appearances.
Young ones and females usually have a small black spot near the back of the dorsal fin, while males have a yellow snout and tail (which can sometimes be orange).
Males also lack the black spot found in females. Sapphire Devil’s body depth is about 2.2 to 2.4 times smaller than its standard length.
Sapphire Devil Reproduction
Sapphire Devil lays eggs and forms unique pairs during breeding. The eggs stick to surfaces underwater, like rocks or plants.
Male Sapphire Devils protect their eggs and help provide oxygen by fanning the water around them.
Sapphire Devil Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Chrysiptera |
| Scientific Name: | Chrysiptera cyanea |
| Also Known As: | Sapphire Devil, Blue Damselfish, Blue Demoiselle, Blue Devil, Cornflower Sergeant-major, Hedley’s Damselfish, Red Tail Australian Damsel, Sky-blue Damsel |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |