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Neon Velvet Damsel
Bluestreak Damselfish

Black/Blue Velvet Damsel ~ Javanese Damsel
Jewel Damsel ~ Bluebanded Damselfish Family: Pomacentridae

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Neoglyphidodon oxyodon Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Greg Rothschild

   The Neon Velvet Damsel is such a beautifully colored fish as a juvenile, it has been given the nickname 'Jewel Damsel'!

   Popularly known as the Black Velvet Damsel or the Blue Velvet Damsel Fish, the Neon Velvet Damsels are some of most attractive damselfish as juveniles. They are one of the medium to large sized damsels that can grow to almost 6 inches in length. Strikingly colored when young, it has flashy neon colored electric-blue horizontal stripes dashed across its face and upper body. There is a vertical white or yellow bar that divides the body just in front of the dorsal fin. These markings contrast dramatically with its dark body. As they grow older however, the stripes fade and the fish becomes a grayish blue color overall.

   This bold beauty is called by many names and readily stands out, but of the damselsfish the Neon Velvet Damsel is one of the more demanding. They need top quality water conditions and plenty of room as they can become territorial and will aggressively defend their space. They are generally easy to feed however, and will readily accepting most small foods.They are a suitable addition to reef tanks as they can be kept with invertebrates.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Status:
   These fish are not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Maintenance difficulty:
   The Neon Velvet Damsel is among the easiest of all marine fish to keep.

Maintenance:
   This fish will readily eat all kinds of live, frozen, and flake foods and algae. Finely chopped meaty foods (like brine shrimp) can be fed regularly. It is best to feed small amounts several times a day. In a reef situation they don't really need to be fed very often at all.

Foods:
   All kinds. See maintenance above.

Social Behaviors:
   Like all damselfish, they can be territorial and aggressive, especially as they get older. Can be kept together and with other larger fish but watch them closely to be sure their aggression doesn't become destructive.

Sex: Sexual differences:
   Not Known.

Light: Recommended light levels:
   No special requirements.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Some of the damselfish have been bred in captivity. See general breeding techniques under Clownfish on the marine breeding page.

Temperature:
   No special requirements.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Javanese Damsel or Neon Velvet Damsel adults can grow to 15.0 cm ( 6 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 25 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   No special requirements.

Buy Neon Velvet Damsel From LiveAquaria.com

Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Mike Donajkowski

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
   Swims at all levels of the aquarium.

Availability:
   This fish is sometimes available and is moderately expensive for a damsel.
Average price: $10.00

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Latest Comments
It's been two years since I got my first blue 'Devil' Velvet Damsel and I would like to say that the fish has been a pain in the butt. 'Devil' eats all the food I put in the tank, leaving no food for my other fish. Always pushing them around, everytime I add a new rock it's moved, and my sand is dug out from under the rocks so he can swim from one side to the other. Everytime I fix it, 'Devil' digs out the sand again. He's tried to bite on two occasions and the little guy has teeth. What can I say, I love the little guy, just wish he would just relax a bit. anthony 2009-06-14
In many ways, this fish will simplify your tank and save you money--because you'll stop buying anything he can destroy or kill. It was one of the first fish I bought when a started a salt tank. He was so small and cute and colorful. "Jaws" is now close to 6". This is definitely a fish with OCD. He can't stand change. If I put a new small pebble anywhere in my large tank, he will knock it off--and will literally try to push it out of the tank by trying to nose it up to the top. Jaws lives with a clownfish, a small yellow tailed damsel, a small black and white striped damsel, and a yellow angel. And, THOSE he is fine with. All is peaceful. But if I tried to add anything else--an anemone, another fish, a coral, etc.--it would be destroyed or killed within five minutes. He's an AWFUL fish . . . but I love him (just like you would an old cranky uncle). Karen 2009-06-08
I hate my damsel! He was nice when I first bought him and has grown to about 4 times his original size. He has since made it virtually impossible to put any new fish in the tank because he constantly harrasses and picks at them. Trying to remove him has been a chore as well. I don't recommend this fish, period! unless you have larger fish that could put him in his place. the man 2009-05-25
I have had my Damsel for about a week now and he is about 4 inches long. He is the nicest fish I've ever had but he eats all the coral. My zenias and anthelias are gone and my kenya trees are all gone now. I was told he was reef safe but as I found out he wasn't. I don't recommend this fish for a reef tank especially one with a lot of corals. I'm stuck with him as he is too fast to catch and I can't move the rock around; it would destroy my tank. lucah629 2008-08-02
I have two with a snowflake eel and a trigger. They tease the eel. They are great and love my trigger. Harrison 2007-12-29

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Author: David Brough. CFS.