Ocellate Damselfish

Also known as Princess Damselfish

The Ocellate Damselfish is a small, colorful reef fish prized for its vivid coloration and peaceful yet lively behavior. With a bright blue body often fading toward yellow on the head and dorsal fin, and a distinctive “eye spot” on the dorsal fin, this damselfish adds a splash of color to any marine aquarium. While not as common as some other damselfish species in the trade, their hardiness, moderate care needs, and attractive appearance make them a solid choice for hobbyists who want something different yet manageable.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Pomacentrus vaiuli

Common Names: Ocellate Damselfish, Princess Damselfish

Adult Size: Up to ~3.5–4 inches (≈ 9–10 cm)

Lifespan: ~5–7+ years with proper care

Temperament: Semi-aggressive; peaceful in youth or groups, may become territorial with age or if the tank is small.

Reef Compatibility: Generally reef safe, but some caution needed toward small invertebrates because they may pick at benthic animals.

Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons recommended for a single or small group.

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate; relatively hardy but requires thoughtful setup and monitoring as they mature.

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
The Ocellate Damselfish comes from tropical Pacific coral reefs and lagoon areas, including reef slopes and sheltered reefs with plenty of rocks or rubble.

Tank Environment:

• Provide live rock with crevices, caves, and hiding spots for grazing and refuge.
• Maintain adequate swimming space; they are moderately active and appreciate open areas.
• Use moderate to strong water flow and good filtration to simulate reef-like conditions.
• It is best to introduce them into an established, stable tank rather than a brand-new system.
  

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: ~72–78 °F (22–26 °C)
• Salinity: ~1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: ~8.1–8.4
• Other chemistry should match standard reef tank norms when kept with corals or invertebrates.
  

Diet & Feeding

The Ocellate Damselfish is an omnivore. In the wild, it feeds on small animals and algae. In captivity, it accepts a mix of foods.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small planktonic crustaceans
• Marine flakes or pellets for omnivores
• Occasional algae-based foods or marine algae sheets
  

Feeding Schedule:
Offer small meals 1–2 times daily or more frequently if preferred. Provide portions they can consume quickly to avoid overfeeding.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Juveniles can be relatively peaceful and may be kept in small groups.
• As they mature, they may become more territorial, especially toward other damselfish or similar-sized fish.
• Provide ample rockwork and space to reduce territorial disputes.
• Avoid keeping multiple damselfish species together in small tanks.
  

Tank Mates:
Best with peaceful fish, invertebrates, and corals.
Avoid very small or fragile invertebrates that may be picked at.

Reef Compatibility

Ocellate Damselfish are generally reef compatible when provided with appropriate space and hiding spots. They do not dig, farm algae, or disturb rockwork like some aggressive damselfish species.

However, monitor their behavior as they mature, especially when housed with other damselfish or similar species.

Acclimation & Care Tips

• Introduction into a stable, well-cycled aquarium.
• Use slow drip acclimation to match water parameters.
• Provide live rock, caves, and hiding places to reduce stress.
• Feed small, regular meals rather than large infrequent ones.
• Monitor for aggression, especially in multi-damselfish setups.
  

Signs of a Healthy Specimen

• Active swimming and regular movement
• Bright, consistent coloration
• Eager feeding and good appetite
• Smooth fins and intact scales
• Clear eyes with no visible spots or lesions
• Normal behavior without constant hiding or surface gasping
  

Color & Development

• Displays a blue body with lighter or yellowish tones on the head and dorsal fin
• A distinctive “ocellus” or eye spot on the dorsal fin
• As the fish matures, color patterns may soften and the ocellus may shrink
• Typical adult size: ~3.5–4 inches (≈ 9–10 cm)
  

Special Considerations

• Can become semi-aggressive if overcrowded; provide enough space and hiding spots
• Avoid mixing with many damselfish or similar-sized aggressive species
• Not very common in the aquarium trade; availability may be limited
• Maintain stable water parameters: ammonia and nitrite at 0, low nitrates, and stable salinity and temperature
  

Breeding Potential

Ocellate Damselfish are egg layers and show parental care. Females lay eggs on flat surfaces, and males guard and fan the eggs.
Due to their territorial nature and specific conditions, captive breeding is rare and usually attempted only by experienced aquarists.

Why Choose a Quarantined Ocellate Damselfish?

A quarantined Ocellate Damselfish arrives healthy, acclimated, and prepared for your tank. Our quarantine process includes health checks, parasite treatment if needed, and conditioning so the fish readily accepts prepared foods. This results in a stronger, stress-free fish that is far more likely to thrive and show its natural colors and lively behavior in your aquarium.