All fish / Pomacentridae

Blackmargin Damselfish

Pomacentrus nigromarginatus

Also known as black-margined damselfish, blackmargin damsel, black margin damsel, 黑缘雀鲷

A small damselfish with a pale greyish to yellowish body and dark edges to the dorsal, anal and tail fins, which give it its name. It comes from outer reef slopes and drop-offs, and people keep it because it is hardy, cheap and lively in reef tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Singly, or as a pair in a larger tank

Diet

Omnivore: frozen mysis and brine shrimp, marine flakes and pellets, some algae-based foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

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

Breeding

Pairs lay sticky eggs on a cleaned hard surface and the male guards them until they hatch. Spawning can happen in captivity, but raising the tiny pelagic larvae is difficult and seldom done.

Good to know

Like many damsels it can turn territorial as it grows, so add it after more peaceful fish and give it plenty of rockwork. The trade name in the listing looks like a citation error, not a real name.