Gold Belly Damsel - Pomacentrus auriventris

Gold Belly Damsel (Pomacentrus auriventris)

The Gold Belly Damsel is a bright and attractive marine damselfish recognised for its vivid yellow-gold underside contrasting with cooler blue tones across the upper body. Small, active and hardy once established, it makes an eye-catching addition to reef aquariums. Like many Pomacentrus species, it can become territorial around favourite areas of rockwork, so it is best kept with suitably robust tankmates and given plenty of structure to establish its own space.

Common Name:
Gold Belly Damsel, Goldbelly Damselfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pomacentrus auriventris

Maximum Size:
Approximately 7 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Gold Belly Damsel occurs in tropical Western Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral-rich lagoons, reef flats and sheltered reef areas.

It typically remains close to branching corals, rubble and rocky structure where it can quickly retreat when threatened.

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 / Territorial

The Gold Belly Damsel can be confident and territorial despite its small size.

It is generally compatible with robust community reef fish but may chase timid species or other small damsels that occupy the same area of the aquarium.

Diet:
Omnivore

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

Small amounts of algae-based or spirulina-enriched foods can also be included to provide additional dietary variety.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 100 litres

Its small adult size makes it suitable for moderately sized marine aquariums, although adequate rockwork and visual barriers are important for managing territorial behaviour.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Gold Belly Damsel is an active daytime swimmer that usually remains close to reef structure.

It spends much of its time moving between open water and caves or coral branches, particularly around a preferred territory.

Provide plenty of rockwork, caves and visual barriers to help reduce aggression and allow subordinate tankmates to avoid dominant individuals.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

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

Its compact size and close association with reef structure make it well suited to coral-dominated aquariums.

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

Although hardy, this species can become territorial once established, particularly in smaller systems.

Avoid combining it with very timid species that may be continually harassed.

If keeping several damsels, provide enough space, hiding places and visual barriers to allow each fish to establish a territory.

Regular varied feeding and good water quality will help maintain strong colour and healthy body condition.

Suitable for:
Beginner to 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.