Springer's Damsel

Chrysiptera springeri

Also known as Blue Sapphire Damsel, Springeri Damsel, Springer's Demoiselle

SaltwaterFish

Springer's Damsel (Chrysiptera springeri) — Rickard Zerpe · CC BY 2.0

Care at a glance

Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Adult size: 2.8 in (7 cm)
Minimum tank: 25 gal (95 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Common
Reef safe: Reef safe
Origin: Western Pacific from Indonesia to the Philippines, among branching corals and rubble on sheltered reefs.
Family: Pomacentridae

Overview

A 95 litre or larger reef with branching rock or coral for cover suits it at 24 to 27 C. It is reef safe, hardy and calmer than most damsels, so it can even be kept in small groups if added at the same time. Feed flake, pellets and frozen mysis or brine. Provide plenty of hiding spots so it feels secure and colors up.

In the wild

Springer's damsel is a deep blue fish flecked with electric blue spots, living among branching corals on sheltered reefs. It shelters in the branches and darts out to feed. It is one of the more peaceful damsels and stays small. Groups can work if introduced together with enough cover.

Good to know

Chrysiptera springeri reaches about 7 cm and is one of the smaller, milder members of its genus. Despite the shared name it is unrelated to Springer's dottyback, Pseudochromis springeri. It associates closely with branching corals for shelter.