Starck's Damsel
Chrysiptera starcki
Also known as Starck's Demoiselle, Starcki Damselfish, Starck's Damselfish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F (23–27°C)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 3.5 in (9 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 29 gal (110 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Reef safe
- Reef safe
- Origin
- Western Pacific from Japan to the Coral Sea, on deeper reef slopes.
- Family
- Pomacentridae
Overview
Keep one in a 110 litre or larger reef with rock cover at 23 to 27 C and pH 8.1 to 8.4. It is fully reef safe and less aggressive than the blue devils, though still best kept one per tank unless the system is large. Feed a varied diet of flake, pellets and frozen foods. Give it rockwork to claim so it settles and shows its best color.
In the wild
Starck's damsel is a clean blue-and-yellow fish, bright blue above and yellow below, from deeper reef slopes. It is more reserved than the blue devil damsels and holds a territory near the rock. It keeps its color well and stays a manageable size. Juveniles are quite peaceful and grow more territorial with age.
Good to know
Chrysiptera starcki reaches about 9 cm and comes from deeper water than many reef damsels. Its crisp two-tone pattern makes it a popular reef fish. It lays and guards demersal eggs like other damsels.
Did you know
It comes from deeper, cooler slopes than most damsels, so it takes the lower end of the reef temperature range in stride.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- LiveAquaria Freshwater and saltwater fish, inverts and corals
- Saltwaterfish.com Marine fish, corals and inverts shipped overnight
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Saltwater fish · Beginner fish · Reef-safe fish · Beginner saltwater fish
Keeping Starck's Damsel?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Azure Damsel
Chrysiptera hemicyanea2.8 in (7 cm)29 gal (110 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Springer's Damsel
Chrysiptera springeri2.8 in (7 cm)25 gal (95 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Yellowtail Damsel
Chrysiptera parasema2.8 in (7 cm)29 gal (110 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Talbot's Damsel
Chrysiptera talboti2.4 in (6 cm)29 gal (110 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Blue Damsel
Chrysiptera cyanea3.1 in (8 cm)29 gal (110 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)
Fiji Blue Devil Damsel
Chrysiptera taupou3.1 in (8 cm)29 gal (110 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)