Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

About Domino Damsel

The Domino Damsel is a hardy and distinctive marine fish recognised for its dark black body with three bright white spots. Its bold colouration and compact size make it a popular choice for marine aquariums, particularly for aquarists looking for a hardy damselfish.

Domino Damsels are active and confident fish that spend much of their time around rockwork, caves and coral structures. They are extremely adaptable but can become highly territorial and aggressive as they mature.

They are best kept with robust tank mates that can tolerate their temperament. Providing plenty of rockwork and multiple hiding areas can help distribute territories and reduce conflict.

Domino Damsels are omnivorous and readily accept quality marine pellets and flakes, along with frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp.

They are generally reef safe and will normally leave corals alone.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Dascyllus trimaculatus
Common Name: Domino Damsel / Domino Damselfish
Family: Pomacentridae
Type: Marine Fish / Damselfish
Adult Size: Approximately 14 cm
Temperament: Aggressive / Highly Territorial
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Rockwork
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Marine aquariums, reef tanks and robust community systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Domino Damsels reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and will normally leave corals and larger ornamental invertebrates alone.

Are Domino Damsels aggressive?

Yes. Domino Damsels can become very territorial and aggressive, particularly as they mature. Their temperament should be carefully considered when selecting tank mates.

How big does a Domino Damsel get?

They can reach approximately 14 cm, making them considerably larger than some of the smaller damselfish species.

Can Domino Damsels be kept in groups?

They can be kept in groups in a suitably large aquarium, but a strong hierarchy will develop. Aggression can be significant, particularly in smaller tanks.

What do Domino Damsels eat?

They readily accept marine pellets and flakes, as well as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp and other appropriately sized frozen foods.

Common Mistakes

Underestimating their aggression
Domino Damsels can become extremely territorial as they mature.

Keeping them with peaceful or timid fish
Their aggressive behaviour can cause significant stress to passive tank mates.

Keeping too many in a small aquarium
Limited territory can result in persistent chasing and fighting.

Not providing enough rockwork
Caves, crevices and visual barriers help establish territories and provide shelter.

Adding a Domino Damsel first
An established Domino Damsel may become much more aggressive towards fish introduced later.