Neon velvet damselfish
or Paraglyphidodon oxyodon belong to
the family Pomacentridae. This
species is indigenous to the western central Pacific and
Indo-Australian Archipelago
including Indonesia
and the Philippines.
Large concentrations can be found off the coastlines Fiji.
This species often inhabits inshore reefs and the reef flats of
lagoons. They tend
to congregate in shallow, current swept waters.
Velvets have an elongated
oval shaped body with a soft
black, velvety appearance. This species has two neon blue stripes
sweeping back
from its snout. The first is above the eye, the second below. A second
set of
neon striping falls diagonally from their backs. They have a single,
large white
vertical bar just behind their head. Their black fins are commonly
accented
with neon blue trim. These neon accents are striking against the black
velvet
backdrop. Unfortunately, these fish often loose their vibrant
coloration as
they mature. This species is also marketed by the aquarium trade under
the
pseudonyms Blue Velvet Damselfish, Javanese Damselfish, and Blue-Streak
Devil. The
latter bears reference to their demeanor.
Unlike
its docile cousin the green
chromis,
neon velvets have the attitude one would expect
from a
damselfish.
This
species is not suited for a peaceful
community tank. These are innately aggressive fish who will bully any
tank mate
of lesser temperament. They will exhibit extreme territorialism toward
clownfish and other damsels often out competing them for food. Conspecifics
will elicit a
full
out feud for territorial rights. A mated pair may be housed together
but any
thought of multiples will require a very large aquarium. Large
angelfish,
butterflies, tangs and surgeonfish are suitable tank mates provided
they are
not large enough to see the damsel as a tasty snack. A fish must have
one nasty
disposition to fend for itself among species two to three times its
size, hence
the name blue-streak devil. This species is rated reef safe.
These
are medium sized fish. They will grow to a maximum
adult length of 6 inches. A mated pair will require a 30 gallon tank. For
a single or couple to be kept in a
community setting you will need whatever tanks is recommended for their
larger
tank mates. This species has a moderate care level. One factor bears
mentioning.
Damsels
are predisposed to
heavily oxygenated environments. This
can be accomplished with the use of multiple air stones.
This is an omnivorous
species. They are not picky eaters and
will readily acclimate to aquarium food. A well balance diet will
maintain fit
and vigor.
Neon
Velvet Spawning
This
is one of the few species to be successfully bred in
captivity. They have even been known to breed in home aquariums. With
due
diligence you can track down a mated pair to insure compatibility.
The
first indication of intended spawning
is found within the
actions of the male. He will establish his breeding grounds by cleaning
off a
rock ledge or coral surface for the deposit of eggs. He will then begin
to swim
around in a frenzy making clicking noises to seduce his intended mate.
During
this courting ritual the male’s coloration will increase
dramatically. In the
wild a male will often breed with several females. If the female
accepts his
proposal, she will deposit her eggs. He will waste no time in their
fertilization. The entire courtship and breeding process is over within
20
minutes.
A female may lay as many
as 20,000 eggs. It is the
male’s job to guard and care for the eggs until they hatch.
He will fan the eggs with his fins to increase
oxygenation levels and pick out any dead eggs from the batch. Males
will defend
their eggs with complete disregard for their own safety. The eggs will
hatch in
3-7 days. They will emerge as larvae. The larvae will drift around
feeding on
plankton. They develop into juvenile fish in approximately two weeks.
Environmental Parameters
|
Temperature
|
pH Level |
Specific Gravity |
| 72-78
°F |
8.1-8.4 |
1.019-1.025 |
