All fish / Pomacentridae

Domino Damselfish

Dascyllus trimaculatus

Also known as domino damsel, three spot damselfish, threespot dascyllus, three-spot domino, domino fish, 3 spot damsel, ปลาโดมิโน, ミツボシクロスズメダイ, ikan domino, 三点白, 三斑宅泥鱼

This deep-bodied, jet black damselfish has a white spot on each side and another on its forehead, although the spots fade as it grows. It is cheap and very hardy, and youngsters often live among anemones in the same way clownfish do, so it is popular with beginners.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Singly, or as a group in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: marine flakes and pellets, mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood and algae-based foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Line Islands, Japan and Australia

Breeding

Males clean a patch of rock, and the females lay sticky eggs there for the male to guard until they hatch after a few days. Spawning happens quite readily in captivity, but the tiny pelagic larvae are hard to rear.

Good to know

Adults turn very territorial and will harass or kill tankmates, and they are almost impossible to catch once settled in a rockwork tank. Do not buy small juveniles without planning for an aggressive adult that can reach 14 cm.