Giant Damsel
Microspathodon dorsalis
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - East Pacific | Original price was: $53.99.$28.99Current price is: $28.99. | Email me |
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Algae Control |
| Diet Type | Herbivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Max Size | 10 inches |
| Temperature | 72–76°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Giant Damsel (Microspathodon dorsalis) is a rockwork-focused grazer that spends much of its day picking at attached algae and patrolling a chosen section of reef structure. In the wild it’s known for holding firm feeding and breeding territories on rocky reefs, and that “owner of the rock” behavior is often part of what people look for in a Giant (Mexican) Damsel.
What You’ll Observe:
- Regular laps around a favorite rock pile, with quick dashes out into the open and back
- Frequent “pecking” at rock surfaces as it grazes and maintains a personal feeding area
- A consistent home-base cave or crevice it returns to throughout the day
- Bold interaction at the front glass during feeding time, especially once settled
For best results, provide sturdy rockwork with multiple crevices plus brisk flow and high oxygen levels—this species naturally comes from energetic, nearshore habitats. Offer a mix of algae-based foods and meaty frozen options so it can graze and eat well at each feeding. Maintain a slightly cooler reef range (with stable conditions) to match its natural preference for mid‑70s water.
Does the juvenile “jewel” spotting stay as it grows?
Many keepers report the brightest juvenile spotting fades and the body tone shifts as the fish matures, so it’s best chosen for its behavior and presence as much as its early patterning.
Why does it keep “working” one rock like it owns it?
This is a common damsel pattern: it establishes a feeding patch and repeatedly grazes the same surfaces, especially once it feels settled in.
Can I add other fish later without constant chasing?
Many hobbyists have better results when new fish go in after a small rockwork reshuffle (so territories reset) and when there are multiple break-lines in the aquascape.
Is it normal for it to disappear for a day or two after introduction?
Yes—some individuals spend the first couple days rotating between a few crevices, then become much more visible once they learn the tank’s feeding routine.
What’s the easiest way to remove one if I ever need to?
A fish trap baited with food near its usual patrol route is the most commonly suggested method, since netting around rockwork tends to be a long game.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Recently viewed products
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.