Three Spot Damsel

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Dascyllus trimaculatus
• Common Name: Three Spot Damsel / Domino Damsel
• Adult Size: Up to 5.5 inches (14 cm)
• Life Expectancy: Up to 15 years in captivity with proper care
• Habitat:
  • Found in Indo-Pacific reefs, including the Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and Micronesia
  • Commonly lives among coral heads and anemones (especially as juveniles)

  • Prefers lagoon and outer reef slopes

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a single fish
  50+ gallons for groups or community setups
• Ideal Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially with age
  • Becomes territorial; may bully peaceful or smaller tankmates

  • Best with similarly sized or assertive species in community tanks

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous
• Eats a varied diet including:
  • Marine pellets or flakes
  • Frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis shrimp
  • Chopped seafood, spirulina, and algae-based foods

• Feed 2–3 times daily

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg-layer; has spawned in home aquariums
• Males guard the nest, which is usually laid on flat rock surfaces
• Notoriously territorial during breeding

• Fry are planktonic after hatching and require specialized care

Appearance

• Dark charcoal or black body
• Three distinct white spots:

1. 1. Forehead (just above the eyes)
   2. Upper side of the body (mid-section)
   3. At the base of the tail

• Spots may fade or become less visible as the fish matures

Distinctive Features

• Nicknamed Domino Damsel due to the spotted pattern
• One of the more aggressive damsels, especially as adults
• Hardy and ideal for beginner saltwater aquarists

• Juveniles often associate with anemones, mimicking clownfish behavior