In the aquarium Chrysiptera parasema

1 in aquarium

1.1 behavior
1.2 diet
1.3 reproduction

in aquarium

chrysiptera parasema popular fish in saltwater aquarium hobby. because of low price recommended way novice marine aquarium keepers gain experience. though these hardy fish used cycle tank, aquariums discourage against practice, encouraging use of live rock instead. thirty gallons typically quoted minimum tank size required permanently house fish. in maintained tank, c. parasema live 4–6 years or longer, 15 years.

behavior

c. parasema prefers peaceful tank mates , abundant hiding spots, preyed upon in nature. favorite species among aquarists because active, less aggressive damselfish.

however, these fish harass more passive fish in aquarium. in addition, despite comparatively peaceful nature, species can territorial members of own species. tend become more aggressive when kept singly. aggression can reduced keeping them in small groups of odd numbered fish (three seven). show schooling behavior when kept in large groups.

despite hardy nature, c. parasema must not placed in aquarium larger predatory fish such lionfish, , grouper see food source.

diet

in captivity, c. parasema shows preference spirulina, flake foods, , mysis shrimps. however, tend go after fish foods, whether frozen, freeze dried, or live. these fish tend feed towards bottom of tank.

reproduction

it difficult tell males apart females. in general, males may tend larger more slender, , become more aggressive towards females when ready mate. males responsible guarding eggs, display more territorial behavior on brood.

breeding occurs readily in captivity. females lay around 300 eggs, hatch within 96 hours (a few hours after lights turned off). eggs , larvae, due small size, difficult rear. in addition, brittle stars, serpent stars, wrasses, , crabs eat damselfish eggs.