All fish / Pomacentridae

Honeyhead Damselfish

Dischistodus prosopotaenia

Also known as honeyhead damsel, honey head damsel, honey-head damselfish, yes, ハチミツスズメダイ, 蜜头雀鲷

A large, deep-bodied damselfish. It has a pale body, a broad dark band behind the head and a honey-yellow wash across the face. It lives in sheltered coastal reefs and lagoons, often near seagrass and mangroves. People keep it because it is very hardy and has a striking look, but it suits only bigger tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Keep singly

Diet

Omnivore: algae, marine flakes and pellets, mysis and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands

Breeding

Pairs lay sticky eggs on a hard surface, and the male guards them until they hatch after a few days. Spawning has been seen in captivity, but rearing the tiny larvae on live plankton is difficult and seldom done at home.

Good to know

Adults become very territorial and will chase or harm smaller fish and other damsels, so only keep them with robust tankmates. It may also pick at small invertebrates.