Bowtie Damsel
Neoglyphidodon melas
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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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 | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Bowtie Damsel (Neoglyphidodon melas) is also sold as the Bluefin Damselfish or Black Damselfish. Juveniles often show a lighter body with a yellow-toned back and blue fins, while adults typically darken into a mostly black fish that stays active around rockwork.
What You’ll Observe:
- Regular patrolling of a chosen rock face, ledge, or cave entrance
- Quick darting swims between hiding spots, then hovering in the open
- Bold feeding responses and frequent “first to the food” behavior
- A noticeable color shift as it matures from juvenile patterning to darker tones
Provide a 55 gallon (or larger) aquarium with multiple rock piles and clear “lanes” so your fish can hold a territory without controlling the whole tank. Offer a mixed omnivore diet (quality pellets/flakes plus frozen foods) fed consistently to keep it engaged and active. It does best with other sturdy, similarly confident fish and plenty of structure to break up lines of sight.
How do I catch a Bowtie Damsel if it claims a rock and won’t go near a net?
Try a fish trap baited with food, or use a dim/red light after the main lights are out when it’s settled into its sleeping spot.
Is it normal for the juvenile colors to fade as it grows?
Yes—many keepers report the juvenile pattern is strongest when small, with the fish becoming much darker as it matures.
Why does it “guard” one corner of the tank all day?
This species often picks a specific nook or ledge and treats it like home base, returning to it between laps around the rockwork.
Will it rearrange sand or pick at the bottom near its rock?
Some individuals dig or spit sand while clearing a spot near their territory, especially around the base of their preferred rock.
Does adding new fish later usually change its behavior?
Many hobbyists have better results adding this fish last; if new additions are planned, changing some rock positions can help reset territories.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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