All fish / Pomacentridae

Smith's damselfish

Pomacentrus smithi

Also known as pink smith damsel, smith's damsel, smith damsel, pink smithi damsel, blue-pink damsel, smithi damselfish, スミスズメダイ, 史氏雀鲷

A small damselfish with a bluish, pinkish to lilac body that fades into a yellow tail and rear fins. It is hardy, colourful and cheap, so it is often bought for new reef tanks and is generally safe with corals and invertebrates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Single fish or a small group in a larger tank

Diet

Omnivore: zooplankton such as mysis and brine shrimp, marine flakes, pellets and some algae-based foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, northern Australia and nearby reefs

Breeding

Pairs lay sticky eggs on a cleaned hard surface, and the male guards them until they hatch. Spawning happens in aquariums, but rearing the tiny planktonic larvae is difficult and rarely achieved at home.

Good to know

It is milder than many damsels but can still become territorial as it grows, so add it after more peaceful fish. It is easily confused with other blue and yellow damsels.