Green Damsel - Neopomacentrus nemurus

Green Damsel (Neopomacentrus nemurus)

The Green Damsel is an attractive and active marine damselfish recognised for its streamlined body and subtle green to blue-green colouration. More peaceful than many of the highly territorial damsels commonly seen in marine aquariums, it can work well in established community systems when provided with suitable space and rockwork. Hardy, adaptable and generally reef safe, it is a practical choice for aquarists looking for a lively midwater fish with straightforward care requirements.

Common Name:
Green Damsel, Green Damselfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Neopomacentrus nemurus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 9 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Green Damsel occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific marine environments and is associated with coral reefs, sheltered lagoons and rocky reef areas.

It is typically found swimming close to reef structure, where it can retreat quickly into caves and crevices 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:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Green Damsel is generally less aggressive than many larger or more territorial damselfish species.

It can usually be kept successfully with a broad range of peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish, although individuals may still defend preferred areas of rockwork.

Diet:
Omnivore

The Green Damsel accepts a wide variety of aquarium foods.

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

Spirulina and other algae-based foods can also be included regularly to provide a balanced and varied diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 100 litres

Its modest adult size makes the Green Damsel suitable for smaller marine aquariums, provided sufficient swimming space and rockwork are available.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Green Damsel is an active daytime swimmer that commonly occupies the middle and upper areas of the aquarium while remaining close to protective reef structure.

Provide open swimming areas together with caves, overhangs and multiple retreat spaces.

This species can make an attractive addition to a small group where aquarium size and stocking allow, although additional space helps reduce territorial behaviour.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

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

Its active swimming behaviour and relatively manageable temperament make it suitable for many mixed reef aquariums.

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

Although generally manageable, territorial behaviour can develop around preferred caves or feeding areas.

If keeping several individuals, provide sufficient swimming space and multiple sheltered areas to allow weaker fish to avoid dominant individuals.

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

Avoid overcrowding, particularly when combining the Green Damsel with other territorial damselfish.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

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.