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About Staghorn Damsel

The Staghorn Damsel is an attractive Australian-associated damselfish recognised for its silvery-green body, broad dark vertical bars and black-edged tail. It is naturally found around coral reefs and lagoons throughout the tropical Western Pacific, including Australia's northern Great Barrier Reef and parts of Western Australia.

Unlike many highly territorial damselfish, Staghorn Damsels are often seen in small groups or larger aggregations above branching Acropora corals, where they feed on planktonic crustaceans and drifting algae.

They are active, attractive fish that make an excellent addition to a mature reef aquarium with plenty of open swimming space and coral or rock structures. Their relatively peaceful schooling behaviour makes them particularly interesting when kept as a group.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Amblyglyphidodon curacao
Common Name: Staghorn Damsel / Staghorn Damselfish
Family: Pomacentridae
Type: Marine Fish / Damselfish
Adult Size: Approximately 11–13 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Territorial
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Planktivore / Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Upper Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums, marine community tanks and schooling displays

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Staghorn Damsels reef safe?

Yes. They are well suited to reef aquariums and naturally associate with coral-rich environments.

Can Staghorn Damsels be kept in groups?

Yes. They naturally occur in groups and aggregations, particularly around branching staghorn Acropora corals.

How big does a Staghorn Damsel get?

They can reach approximately 11–13 cm.

What do Staghorn Damsels eat?

They primarily feed on zooplankton, small planktonic crustaceans and drifting algae. In captivity, offer enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, marine pellets and quality flake foods.

Are Staghorn Damsels aggressive?

They are generally less aggressive than many of the more territorial damselfish, although individuals can still establish territories, particularly when spawning.

Common Mistakes

Keeping only one when a group is possible
They naturally occur in groups, and keeping several can produce much more natural behaviour.

Not providing enough swimming space
They are active midwater fish and benefit from open water above the rockwork.

Not providing suitable shelter
Rockwork and coral structures provide important refuge and territorial areas.

Keeping them with highly aggressive fish
Their relatively peaceful nature makes them unsuitable for extremely aggressive community systems.

Overfeeding
Offer several appropriately sized meals and maintain excellent water quality.