Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Amblyglyphidodon

Amblyglyphidodon orbicularis

(Hombron & Jacquinot, 1853)

Orbicular Damsel

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Central Pacific Ocean: Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.

Size: 3 inches (8 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow lagoons and reef channels at depths between 3 to about 100 feet (1 – 30 m) and feeds on zooplankton and somewhat on algae.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade, with the adults having a silvery body with yellow pelvic and anal fins, and black edging on the tail.

Little aquarium husbandry exists for this species, yet should be similar to others in this genus and easily adapts to general aquarium life in reef or fish-only aquariums. Nevertheless, no doubt feisty and should not be housed with timid tankmates.

As to diet, would probably eat most regular aquarium foods, e.g., live fortified brine shrimp and/or finely chopped various frozen or fresh meaty foods such as mysis, squid, fish flesh, shrimp, clam, etc., and plant material, e.g., flake foods, especially those containing Spirulina and should be offered several times daily.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Labroidei

    Family: Pomacentridae

    Subfamily: Pomacentrinae

    Genus: Amblyglyphidodon

FYI: Unsuitable for peaceful community aquariums.

Experience Level: Beginner

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Omnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Moderately aggressive

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 84°F (22 – 28°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Amblyglyphidodon orbicularis (Orbicular Damsel)
Photo © John Randall
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Ocean Nutrition