Yellowtail damselfish reef compatibility check
Chrysiptera parasema
Yellowtail damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) is a beginner-level damselfish that needs at least 30 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; not a good first fish for very timid communities. Temperament is semi aggressive and adults reach about 3 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Durable reef fish that can work when territorial behavior is respected.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 30+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 30 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Peaceful community tanks with small, timid fish.
- ✕ Not a good first fish for very timid communities.
Compatibility warnings
- Not a good first fish for very timid communities.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 30 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 30 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 3 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 1
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Azure damselfish
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Banded pipefish
Same 30-gallon floor, expert care, reef caution.
- Banggai cardinalfish
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Dragonface pipefish
Same 30-gallon floor, expert care, reef caution.
Equipment that fits
- Red Sea MAX NANO G2 XL Reef System (33 Gal)
33-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Waterbox AIO 35.2 Aquarium System (33 gallons)
33-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Waterbox MARINE X 60.2 Aquarium System (36 gallons)
36-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the yellowtail damselfish need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 30 gallons, based on an adult size of about 3 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the yellowtail damselfish reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Not a good first fish for very timid communities.
Is the yellowtail damselfish good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
When should I add the yellowtail damselfish to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.