Sapphire Damsel, also known as the Peacock Damsel or Blue Damsel, is a marine fish from the Indo-Pacific region. Sometimes, it’s seen in the aquarium trade.
As adults, these fish live in sandy areas near lagoon reefs, isolated patch reefs, coral heads, or rubble.
They are usually found in groups and are common around jetties (structures built into water).
Sapphire Damsels eat zooplankton and filamentous algae. They are active during the day and safe to keep with other reef species in an aquarium.
Sapphire Damsel Interesting Facts
- Sapphire Damsels are found in the Indo-Pacific region and grow up to 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters) long.
- These fish live near lagoon reefs and eat zooplankton and filamentous algae.
- Sapphire Damsels have a metallic green to light blue color with blue worm-like markings on their head.
- During breeding, they form pairs, lay eggs underwater, and males protect the eggs until they hatch.
Sapphire Damsel Habitat
Sapphire Damsel is found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, Taiwan in the north, and Lord Howe Island in the south.
This fish lives in marine environments near reefs and doesn’t migrate.
It’s found at depths of 1 to 18 meters (3 to 59 feet) and thrives in tropical waters with temperatures between 16°N to 32°S.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Sapphire Damsel Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters)
Sapphire Damsel is a small fish with a maximum length of 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters).
It has 13 dorsal spines, 13 to 14 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 12 to 14 anal soft rays.
Sapphire Damsel’s color varies from metallic green to light blue, and it has a small greenish “ear” spot. Its tail is yellowish, especially in young fish.
The head features blue vermiculations (worm-like markings), and the body depth is about 2.4 to 2.6 times its standard length.
Sapphire Damsel Reproduction
Sapphire Damsel lays eggs, known as being oviparous. During breeding, it forms distinct pairs.
It lays its eggs on surfaces beneath the water, and the eggs stick to these surfaces.
Male Sapphire Damsels protect and supply oxygen to the eggs until they hatch.
Sapphire Damsel Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Pomacentrus |
| Scientific Name: | Pomacentrus pavo |
| Also Known As: | Sapphire Damsel, Peacock Damsel, Blue Damsel |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |