All fish / Pomacentridae

Neon Velvet Damselfish

Neoglyphidodon oxyodon

Also known as neon velvet damsel, blue-lined damsel, bluestreak damsel, black neon damsel, javanese damsel, paraglyphidodon oxyodon, 黑新箭雀鲷

Juveniles are velvety black with bright electric-blue lines and a yellow bar behind the head, which makes them one of the most striking damsels sold. As they grow, the colours fade to a duller dark brown or black. People keep them because they are hardy, cheap and leave corals alone.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 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, marine pellets and flakes, algae-based foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and nearby islands

Breeding

It lays eggs on a cleaned rock surface, and the male guards them until they hatch. Captive breeding is rare because the tiny pelagic larvae are hard to rear.

Good to know

Adults become territorial and aggressive towards other damsels and timid fish, so add it last to a larger tank. The bright juvenile colours do not last into adulthood.