All fish / Pomacentridae

Cross' Damselfish

Neoglyphidodon crossi

Also known as cross damsel, cross's damsel, cross damselfish, orange-tail damsel, crossi damsel, 克罗斯雀鲷

Juveniles are bright orange with neon blue lines and spots, making them one of the most striking young damsels on sale. As adults they turn a dull dark brown or greyish colour, so many keepers buy them for the juvenile colouring and hardiness.

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

Keep singly

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia (Sulawesi, Moluccas), Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

Breeding

Like other damselfish it lays sticky eggs on a cleaned hard surface, which the male guards until they hatch. Captive breeding is rarely reported, and raising the tiny pelagic larvae is difficult.

Good to know

Adults become strongly territorial and will bully smaller or more peaceful tankmates, so plan for a larger tank. The juvenile colours fade completely with age.