The Three Stripe Damselfish (Dascyllus aruanus), also known as the Whitetail Dascyllus or Humbug Damselfish, is a species of marine fish in the family Pomacentridae.

Distribution and Habitat

The Three Stripe Damselfish inhabits the Indo-Pacific. It is associated with coral reefs most usually in groups above Acropora coral heads. They live in small groups of around 30 individuals and prefer smaller territories in shallow coral reefs from 1 to 10 meters deep.

Physical Description

The Three Stripe Damselfish is up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in length. It is white with three black vertical bars. It has a small mouth, a flat spine, and a large white spot between the eyes.

Diet and Feeding

As planktivores the Three Stripe Damselfish feeds on plankton and waste and small prey nearby. In captivity it accepts a varied diet including flakes, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and frozen preparations.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species is very aggressive and territorial. They do not have a spawning season and mating occurs daily. Females can produce up to two thousand eggs per batch. Males are highly territorial of their nesting sites and guard the eggs.

Aquarium Care

They are called aquarium starter fish as they are quite tolerant of variable conditions. It requires a tank of at least 20 gallons with abundant live rock. It is considered reef-safe. The adult is quite aggressive and territorial with other fish.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.