Andaman Damsel (Pomacentrus alleni)
| Andaman Damsel Pomacentrus alleni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Andaman Damsel |
| Name Lat. | Pomacentrus alleni |
| Synonym | Allen's Damselfish |
| Family | Damselfishes |
| Family lat. | Pomacentridae |
| Order | Ovalentarias |
| Order lat. | Ovalentaria inc. sed. |
| Origin | Indian Ocean |
| Habitat | Reefs |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Hardness | 8-10 °KH |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Individual, pair, group |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | ~ 250 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.5" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | ~ 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of Pomacentrus alleni is the eastern Indian Ocean in the area of the Similan Islands, northwest of Thailand. They live there mostly in groups on coral-covered inner reefs, mostly at the transition to sandy bottoms.
Maintenance
They need a well-structured aquarium with a reef structure that allows for territoriality (crevices, caves, shelters), with live stones that they can graze on (small crustaceans, algae) and that act as a biological filter, as well as free sand areas. Only lime-rich, heavy metal-free sands, gravels, stones or sea sand of various grain sizes may be used as substrate
Filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary to ensure water quality, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. Lighting must correspond to the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
| Salinity: 33-36 ‰ | pH value: 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness: 8-10 °KH | Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l |
| phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l | nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l |
For salinity, an average value should be aimed for, which may only vary slightly by +/- 0.5 ‰. Ammonia and ammonium must not be measurable. Special attention must be paid to constantly good water quality.
Diet
They feed mainly on zooplankton and algae. The feed change usually succeeds without problems. The food supply should consist of a combination of live and frozen food, such as small mysis, krill, gammarus, cyclops and artemia, with small cut squid and mussel meat or a commercially available, vitamin-enriched frozen food mix for plankton eaters. For this they need algae leaves or seaweed (e.g. spirulina, kelp). High-quality dry food in flake or granule form is also usually well accepted
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day (3-5 times). Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in pairs, but better in a group. To avoid territorial fights, they should be placed in the aquarium at the same time. They form small territories, which they defend. Keeping a group is only recommended in a larger, very strongly structured aquarium. Socialization with other peaceful fish is well possible.
Sex dimorphism
There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
They can easily be confused with Pomacentrus coelestis, whose dorsal, caudal and anal fins are yellow in color
As coral reef dwellers, they should not be kept in a fish-only aquarium.
If different species are kept together, care should be taken to match the fish in terms of water quality and temperature requirements and social behavior, and to ensure that the setup meets the needs of all species kept together. New fish to be introduced must be acclimated slowly to the water in the aquarium
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Knapp; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: KUITER & DEBELIUS (2007): Atlas der Meeresfische: Die Fische an den Küsten der Weltmeere, Kosmos Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF