Animal-World > Marine - Saltwater Fish > Anemonefish - Damsels > Domino Damsel

Domino Damsel

Three-spot Dascyllus ~ Three-spot Damsel Family: Pomacentridae

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Dascyllus trimaculatus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Greg Rothschild

  These damsels are often called the Domino Damsel because of their juvenile coloration which imitates a "domino".

   As juveniles they have a distinct white spot on the forehead and a prominent white spot on the upper side. In a mature Three-spot Dascyllus or Domino Damsel, the marks will most likely disappear or leave just a remnant spot on the side.

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 Domino Damsel or Three-spot Dascyllus 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.

Photo courtesy: Joe D

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.
   Young Domino Damsels will often live in a comensal relationship with anemones like the one shown here.

Sex: Sexual differences:
   Not Known.

Light: Recommended light levels:
   No special requirements.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Some of the damselfish have been bred in captivity.
   For more information on the breeding of damselfish, see Marine Fish Breeding: Damselfish.

Temperature:
   No special requirements.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Domino Damsel or Three-spot Dascyllus adults can grow to 11.0 cm ( 4.3 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 20 gallon aquarium is recommended.

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

Buy Domino Damsel From LiveAquaria.com

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

Availability:
   This fish is almost always available.

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Latest Comments
Put one of your arrows on the Hawaiian islands! I just saw the most perfect example of a Domino Damsel in a tide pool near the Wiakaloa area on the Big Island. Jeff Gonzales 2009-01-21
We were advised that domino damsels should be purchased in three. No problem with ours, but I noticed recently that they are not a black as they were. However, unfortunately my yellow tang died after five days, later found out that it need seaweed as part of its diet. Was not advised this when first purchased, unfortunately it takes a while to find someone who is able to give the right advice when purchasing fish. However we have two tanks and we absolutely love them, I suppose you live and learn. However just purchased a fox fish, very unusual and quite a character..... boddie 2009-01-10
i have two damsels [two years old]. they have gotten on fine with each other and all of the other fish. one seems to be turning grey [almost see-through] or silver at times. seems healthy. any feedback would be appreciated. leslie [spud] 2008-06-29
I had two of these in my first marine tank. It was a 30 gallon. And they were EVIL. They killed the blue damsel that was in there almost a week before they were and killed off the anthias, fairy wrasse, and blood shrip we tried to add. After a while the bigger one started to go after the smaller one. Nasty little guys. Amanda 2007-08-24
My young Domino has a crush on my female blue devil. He's not attacking or even chasing her; he's rubbing up against her and I think he's even trying to steal a kiss. seashells 2007-05-28
Some of the coolest comments:
From my experience..my damsels are only aggressive with their kind. My domino damsels dont' attack the Sgt. Maj. and vice versa, but they will attack each other. Kimberly 2003-07-29
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
We have 2 dominos and they both love our anemones. We thought that strange till we saw your picture. Tracy 2006-02-02

Back to Anemonefish - Damsels

Author: David Brough. CFS.