TankBud

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
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Common
Reef safe
Reef safe
Family
Pomacentridae
Origin
Western Pacific from Indonesia to the Philippines, among branching corals and rubble on sheltered reefs.

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.

Did you know

Unlike its bruising blue-devil cousins, this is one of the few damsels gentle enough to trust in a peaceful community tank.

Common questions

What size tank does a Springer's damsel need?

A Springer's damsel needs at least 25 gal (95 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Springer's damsel need?

A Springer's damsel is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.

How big does a Springer's damsel get?

An adult Springer's damsel reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).

Related species