TankBud

Starck's damsel

Chrysiptera starcki

Also known as Starck's Demoiselle, Starcki Damselfish, Starck's Damselfish

SaltwaterFish

Starck's damsel (Chrysiptera starcki)
Hectonichus · CC BY-SA 3.0

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
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Common
Reef safe
Reef safe
Family
Pomacentridae
Origin
Western Pacific from Japan to the Coral Sea, on deeper reef slopes.

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.

Common questions

What size tank does a Starck's damsel need?

A Starck's damsel needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

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

A Starck's damsel is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.

How big does a Starck's damsel get?

An adult Starck's damsel reaches about 3.5 in (9 cm).

Related species