Neon Velvet Damsel - Neoglyphidodon oxyodon
Neon Velvet Damsel (Neoglyphidodon oxyodon)
The Neon Velvet Damsel, Neoglyphidodon oxyodon, is a striking Western Pacific damselfish admired for its electric blue juvenile colouration, dark velvet body tones and bold reef presence. Also known as the Bluestreak Damselfish or Blue Velvet Damsel, this species is hardy and eye-catching, but it should be chosen with care as it becomes increasingly territorial as it matures. In nature, it inhabits very shallow coral reef flats and lagoon areas, often close to branching Acropora coral heads where it can shelter quickly.
Common Name:
Neon Velvet Damsel, Bluestreak Damselfish, Blue-Streak Damselfish, Blue Velvet Damsel, Javanese Damselfish, Java Damselfish.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Neoglyphidodon oxyodon
Maximum Size:
Up to around 15 cm in the wild. Aquarium specimens may often be smaller, but should still be planned for as a robust, medium-sized damselfish.
Water Type:
Marine
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Central Pacific, including the Indo-Australian Archipelago, Indonesia, the Philippines and the Timor Sea region. Naturally found on shallow reef flats, protected lagoon reefs and coral-rich areas, usually in very shallow water around branching coral structures.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025
Temperament:
Hardy but territorial. Juveniles may appear manageable in community marine aquariums, but adults can become assertive and may chase quieter or more passive fish, especially in smaller tanks or once they have claimed a territory.
Diet:
Omnivorous. In the wild, it feeds on small planktonic foods and algae-based material. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of quality marine flakes, small pellets, frozen mysis, brineshrimp, copepod-based foods and algae-rich preparations. Regular varied feeding helps maintain colour and condition.
Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred if keeping it with other semi-bold marine fish. Provide plenty of rockwork, caves and visual barriers to reduce territorial pressure.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active, confident damselfish that spends much of its time cruising around rockwork and defended areas of the aquarium. It appreciates strong structure, hiding places and open swimming space. Juveniles display the brightest neon-blue markings, while adults typically darken and become more dominant. Secure aquascaping and a covered aquarium are recommended, as sudden chasing or startle behaviour can lead to jumping.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Generally safe with corals and most sessile invertebrates, as it is not a coral-eating species. The main reef aquarium concern is behavioural rather than coral damage, as mature fish may become territorial towards peaceful tank mates, particularly small gobies, firefish, timid wrasses or newly introduced fish.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best added to a suitably sized, mature marine aquarium with established rockwork. Choose tank mates carefully: avoid very timid species and consider adding this damsel after more peaceful fish are settled. Its adult size and territorial nature mean it should not be treated like a small, placid community damsel. Keeping multiple specimens is not usually recommended unless the aquarium is very large with extensive territory breaks. Colour changes with age are normal, with adults becoming darker than juveniles.
Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers
Availability:
Occasional in trade
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
Original: $14.80
-65%$14.80
$5.18
Description
Neon Velvet Damsel (Neoglyphidodon oxyodon)
The Neon Velvet Damsel, Neoglyphidodon oxyodon, is a striking Western Pacific damselfish admired for its electric blue juvenile colouration, dark velvet body tones and bold reef presence. Also known as the Bluestreak Damselfish or Blue Velvet Damsel, this species is hardy and eye-catching, but it should be chosen with care as it becomes increasingly territorial as it matures. In nature, it inhabits very shallow coral reef flats and lagoon areas, often close to branching Acropora coral heads where it can shelter quickly.
Common Name:
Neon Velvet Damsel, Bluestreak Damselfish, Blue-Streak Damselfish, Blue Velvet Damsel, Javanese Damselfish, Java Damselfish.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Neoglyphidodon oxyodon
Maximum Size:
Up to around 15 cm in the wild. Aquarium specimens may often be smaller, but should still be planned for as a robust, medium-sized damselfish.
Water Type:
Marine
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Central Pacific, including the Indo-Australian Archipelago, Indonesia, the Philippines and the Timor Sea region. Naturally found on shallow reef flats, protected lagoon reefs and coral-rich areas, usually in very shallow water around branching coral structures.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025
Temperament:
Hardy but territorial. Juveniles may appear manageable in community marine aquariums, but adults can become assertive and may chase quieter or more passive fish, especially in smaller tanks or once they have claimed a territory.
Diet:
Omnivorous. In the wild, it feeds on small planktonic foods and algae-based material. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of quality marine flakes, small pellets, frozen mysis, brineshrimp, copepod-based foods and algae-rich preparations. Regular varied feeding helps maintain colour and condition.
Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred if keeping it with other semi-bold marine fish. Provide plenty of rockwork, caves and visual barriers to reduce territorial pressure.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active, confident damselfish that spends much of its time cruising around rockwork and defended areas of the aquarium. It appreciates strong structure, hiding places and open swimming space. Juveniles display the brightest neon-blue markings, while adults typically darken and become more dominant. Secure aquascaping and a covered aquarium are recommended, as sudden chasing or startle behaviour can lead to jumping.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Generally safe with corals and most sessile invertebrates, as it is not a coral-eating species. The main reef aquarium concern is behavioural rather than coral damage, as mature fish may become territorial towards peaceful tank mates, particularly small gobies, firefish, timid wrasses or newly introduced fish.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best added to a suitably sized, mature marine aquarium with established rockwork. Choose tank mates carefully: avoid very timid species and consider adding this damsel after more peaceful fish are settled. Its adult size and territorial nature mean it should not be treated like a small, placid community damsel. Keeping multiple specimens is not usually recommended unless the aquarium is very large with extensive territory breaks. Colour changes with age are normal, with adults becoming darker than juveniles.
Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers
Availability:
Occasional in trade
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
