Blue Devil Damsel - Chrysiptera cyanea

Blue Devil Damsel (Chrysiptera cyanea)

The Blue Devil Damsel is a vivid and energetic marine damselfish recognised for its intense electric-blue colouration and bold personality. Hardy, active and visually striking, it can make an excellent addition to established marine aquariums, but its territorial nature should be considered carefully when choosing tankmates. It is best suited to aquariums with plenty of secure rockwork, caves and visual barriers.

Common Name:
Blue Devil Damsel, Blue Devil Damselfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Chrysiptera cyanea

Maximum Size:
Approximately 7–8 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Blue Devil Damsel occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is commonly associated with coral-rich lagoons, shallow reefs and rocky structures.

It naturally remains close to reef cover and may defend a preferred cave, coral head or section of rockwork.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive to Aggressive

The Blue Devil Damsel can become highly territorial once established, particularly in smaller aquariums or when housed with similarly sized fish.

It is best kept with confident, robust tankmates that can tolerate its assertive behaviour.

Very timid or passive fish may be harassed.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet including quality marine flakes and pellets, frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and finely chopped marine foods.

Spirulina-based and algae-enriched foods can also be included regularly as part of a balanced diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 120 litres

A larger aquarium is preferable where multiple territorial fish are being maintained together.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Blue Devil Damsel is an active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving between open water and established rockwork.

Once settled, it may claim a particular area and aggressively defend it from newcomers or similarly shaped fish.

Providing multiple caves and strong visual barriers can help reduce territorial conflict.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Blue Devil Damsel is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its main compatibility concern is territorial aggression rather than coral safety.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, good filtration and plenty of secure rockwork.

Multiple caves, overhangs and visual barriers are recommended to create separate territories.

Avoid adding very timid fish after an established Blue Devil Damsel, particularly in smaller aquariums.

If keeping more than one damselfish, provide additional space and introduce them carefully to reduce aggression.

Regular varied feeding helps maintain strong colouration and healthy body condition.

Although considered hardy, stable water quality and careful acclimation are still important for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.