Description

🐠 Springeri Damsel — Description & Care Guide

📌 Scientific Name: Chrysiptera springeri

📌 Common Names: Springer’s Damsel, Springeri Damselfish, Blue Velvet Damselfish

📌 Origin: Western Pacific — Indonesia, Philippines, Red Sea (aquacultured varieties widely available)

📌 Type: Saltwater Damselfish (Marine)

🔍 Description

• Color: Deep royal blue or velvet blue body, sometimes with black accents or a black tail depending on the variety.

• Size: Small — grows to about 2 inches (5 cm).

• Lifespan: Up to 5–8 years with proper care.

• Appearance: Compact, oval-shaped body; intense, solid coloration that doesn’t fade with age.

🧪 Aquarium Care

🏠 Tank Size

• Minimum: 20 gallons (76 liters) for a single fish

• Larger tanks preferred for multiple specimens or mixed-community setups.

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm — stable water is essential

🧬 Behavior & Temperament

• Temperament: Generally peaceful for a damselfish, especially compared to more aggressive types like Dascyllus.

• Tankmates: Compatible with:

  • Clownfish

  • Gobies

  • Blennies

  • Wrasses

  • Coral/inverts

• May become territorial if kept in cramped tanks or with other damsels.

• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes — does not harm corals or invertebrates.

• Territory: Will often stake out a rock or crevice and return to it.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Diet: Omnivore

• Eats:

  • Frozen mysis and brine shrimp

  • High-quality marine flakes and pellets

  • Algae and detritus (to some extent)

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily

🐚 Habitat & Tank Setup

• Provide:

  • Plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding

  • Open swimming space

  • Moderate flow and lighting

• Does not require sand bed interaction (doesn’t burrow)

✅ Pros

• Hardy and beginner-friendly

• Reef-safe and low maintenance

• Smaller and more peaceful than many other damselfish

• Can help control small bristleworms and pests in some tanks

⚠️ Cautions

• Avoid keeping multiple damsels in small tanks unless they’re a mated pair

• Can become feisty in tight quarters or if not enough hiding places are provided