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Neon Velvet Damsel
Anemonefish - Damsels Index

Neon Velvet Damsel
Bluestreak Damselfish

Black/Blue Velvet Damsel ~ Javanese Damsel
Jewel Damsel ~ Bluebanded Damselfish
Family: Pomacentridae Picture of a Neon Velvet Damsel, Neoglyphidodon oxyodon Neoglyphidodon oxyodon Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Greg Rothschild
Latest Reader Comment - See More
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... (more)  lucah629  2008-08-02

   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

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Geographic Distribution
Neoglyphidodon oxyodon
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacentridae
Data provided by FishBase.org
Habitat: Natural geographic location:
   The Javanese Damsels or Neon Velvet Damsels are found in the Indo-Australian Archipelago including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Ashmore Reef (Timor Sea). Found at depths between 1 and 4 meters, inhabits protected reef flats of lagoons and inshore reefs. Mainly occurs on current-swept reef flats where it congregates in groups of varying sizes.

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.

Picture of a Javanese or Neon Velvet Damsel, Neoglyphidodon oxyodon
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





Latest Comments
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
I got a couple a week ago. They were great than I got another couple, one of the new couple turn out to be a bully, biting and attacking the other three, non stop.
Fik
2006-08-10
A very beautiful damsel and eats like a pig but be warned, this little fish is truely the son of Satan! My damsel will have no trouble going up to my eel and lionfish and slapping them with his tail. I'm just waiting on the day when my lionfish will eat it. Damsels just need a tank for their own.
Ben compton
2006-06-12
I only have 1 of these. Mine is 3.5 inches long. The pet shop said he was really aggressive. He is the sweetest fish! He will let me hand feed him. Gets along with every fish in the tank of all sizes. This is probably "very" rare for a damsel. I love him. Very Hardy!!! I have to say mine is a little fat from hand feeding. He pushes the little damsels around in the tank if they get too close but never bites any fish. He rarely hides and swims along the glass in the front of the tank waiting for me to feed him. I don't know if this is normal for this breed.
Danny
2006-01-18


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