ORA Lemon Damsel

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 3"
• Recommended Tank Size: 20 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This fish is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation.

The Lemon Damsel (Pomacentrus moluccensis) is one of the best beginner fish and a great candidate for nearly any reef aquarium. Lacking most of the obnoxious personality of other Damsel species, these fish get along with others in a variety of aquatic settings. Staying quite small, ORA broodstock has maxed out at just 3 inches in length, making them a good choice even for smaller tanks.

If you start with two young individuals, you will likely end up with a pair, but they can be kept in any sized group as long as the tank is large enough. ORA has successfully housed the Lemon Damsel in groups with Yellowtail Blue Damsels, Sapphire Damsels, and various other Clownfish species. This species will actively swim around searching crevices for potential food items.

Their diet should include crustacean meat/meal and algae meals to maintain their bright yellow coloration.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

More space is always beneficial, but a minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for the Lemon Damsel. A larger tank offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Lemon Damsels are quite adaptable but thrive best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Here’s how to set up their ideal home:

• Aquascaping: Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to create hiding spots. More live rock is especially helpful if keeping a group of these fish in the same tank. This not only provides security, but also promotes beneficial biological filtration.
• Substrate: This fish has no specific substrate requirements and can be kept in aquariums using sand of various grain sizes, crushed coral, or no substrate at all.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your fish. While Lemon Damsels are considered hardy, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-78°F. Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit any temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less.
• pH Level: This fish will do well in a wide pH range from about 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: The specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt). Use a refractometer to monitor salinity levels accurately.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be undetectable, while nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to achieve this.
• Water Flow: Moderate water movement is ideal. This is most often achieved by using powerheads in the aquarium to move water around. Adequate water flow helps push uneaten food and fish waste into your filtration and also keeps the water oxygenated.

Diet

Lemon Damsels are Omnivores, meaning they eat both meaty and plant-based foods. Offering both will give your new fish the nutrition it needs to not only thrive, but maintain their bright yellow coloration. They're typically not picky eaters and will accept food in a variety of forms.

Primary Diet

• Frozen Food: Mysis Shrimp or other marine-specific frozen foods can provide a quality diet, but with less risk of overfeeding vs pellet or flake foods. 
• Pellet Food: High-Quality pellets are a great option, especially for damselfish that prefer to feed in the water column, rather than at the water surface. Pellet foods are typically very nutrient dense, so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding the aquarium, which can contribute to poor water quality. Many aquarists will feed herbivore specific pellets like Hikari Seaweed Extreme in conjunction with a meaty frozen food for a complete diet.
• Flake Food: Flake food isn't as popular of a choice among saltwater aquarists, but if you opt for a flake food, be sure to choose a marine-specific option that's formulated to meet the needs of saltwater fish.

Feeding Frequency

Feed your Lemon Damsel at least once a day. For optimal health, try to offer small, frequent meals throughout the day-- 2-3 times is ideal if you can manage it. Your fish will probably always look hungry, so it can be hard to stop yourself from adding more food to the tank.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, the Lemon Damsel can be semi-aggressive, especially as they mature. However, understanding their compatibility with other fish and invertebrates is crucial to maintaining a balanced and stress-free aquarium environment.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Cardinalfish, most Wrasse, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, and other peaceful fish.
• Invertebrates: Damselfish won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep.
• Coral: The Lemon Damsel is considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Territoriality: The Lemon Damsel may show aggression towards its own species in smaller aquariums. With a larger tank and enough live rock, they can be kept in pairs or groups.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions