Golden Damselfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive   • Maximum Size: 5"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Western Pacific
• Family: Pomacentridae   • Species: Damselfish   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Golden Damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus) or as they are also commonly referred to as Yellow Damselfish, originate from the various areas of the Western Pacific including the Andaman Sea and Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean across to Fiji, north to the Ryukyu Islands and down south to the Rowley Shoals (eastern Indian Ocean), the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia and in Tonga. Unlike many Damselfish species which are often found in large groups or schools, the Golden Damselfish is generally found as a single specimen or in very small groups of just a few individuals.

They are generally quite peaceful when the are young, but become considerably more aggressive with age. Adult specimens should be house with other semi-aggressive species in an aquarium large enough to afford them all a reasonable amount of territory. When kept within the aquarium environment, it is best to keep a single individual or a pair, as a small group is more likely not to work out as the weaker individual will often be picked on, causing it stress and usually death.

The Golden Damselfish is equally at home in both reef and FOWLR marine aquariums of 30 gallons or more. They can be slightly aggressive to similarly sized and shaped species and to others of their own species, but will not harm corals, inverts or other dissimilar fish species. Golden Damselfish appreciate plenty of caves and crevices within the rock work, in which to dart into when they feel threatened. They do not have any special requirements in regards to lighting or water flow, and are considered a very hardy species that can tolerate less than perfect water conditions.

Their hardy disposition makes the Golden Damselfish a good species for beginning marine aquarium hobbyists. They do become more aggressive with age, but this can be reduced by providing them with a large enough aquarium to provide them a small territory separate from other Damselfish species. A well balanced diet will also curb aggression as the Golden Damselfish will feel less need to aggressively compete for food.

As an omnivorous species, Golden Damselfish need to consume a mix of meaty foods, vegetable based foods and marine algae in their diet. They should be fed a varied diet of both meaty and vegetable based foods in order to provide them with all the vitamins and minerals they need to maintain a healthy immune system. Golden Damselfish will readily consume a wide variety of commercial foods including: flake, freeze-dried, frozen, crisp and small pellet based foods.

Some popular commercial foods commonly available on the market that in combination would provide the Golden Damselfish a complete nutritional diet include: spirulina brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, cyclop-eeze, Forumla I & II, Prime Reef and other similar preparations. It is best to feed them multiple times throughout the day an amount of food that they will consume within a few minutes.