Springer’s Damselfish

Also known as: Blue Sapphire Damselfish, Springeri Damsel

The Springer’s Damselfish is a small, brightly colored reef fish admired for its vivid electric blue body and generally peaceful, hardy nature. Native to shallow reefs and lagoons in the western Pacific, especially around Indonesia and the Philippines, this damsel offers both beauty and ease of care. Its compact size, adaptability, and lower aggression compared with many other damsels make it well suited for reef or community tanks.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Chrysiptera springeri

Common Names: Springer’s Damselfish, Blue Sapphire Damselfish, Springeri Damsel

Adult Size: Up to 2.4–3 inches (approximately 6–7.5 cm)

Lifespan: Around 5 years or more under proper care

Temperament: Generally peaceful, though may show mild territorial behavior, especially in small tanks

Reef Compatibility: Reef safe, does not generally nip at corals or disturb rockwork, suitable for reef aquariums

Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 gallons recommended for a single fish; larger if part of a community or more fish are added

Experience Level: Beginner, hardy, easy to feed, and relatively tolerant of varied tank conditions

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Springer’s Damselfish lives in shallow coral reefs and lagoon areas of the western Pacific including Indonesia and the Philippines. They are often found among branching corals, rocky outcrops, and reef rubble where they find shelter and grazing opportunities.

Tank Environment:

• Provide live rock and coral structures with caves or crevices for hiding and security
• Maintain open swimming space, as they are active and appreciate free movement
• Moderate water flow and good filtration help mimic natural reef conditions
• Best introduced into an established, stable aquarium rather than a brand new or cycling tank
  

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–79 °F (23–26 °C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
  

Diet & Feeding

Springer’s Damselfish is omnivorous and accepts a wide range of foods in captivity.

Recommended Foods:

• Marine flakes or pellets designed for omnivores
• Frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or small planktonic crustaceans
• Occasional algae based or plant matter foods to mimic natural diet and encourage coloration
  

Feeding Schedule:
Offer small meals 1–2 times per day, ensuring portions are consumed quickly to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality

Behavior & Compatibility

• Typically peaceful and relatively calm compared to more aggressive damsel species
• Can be kept singly, as a pair, or in small groups if tank is large enough and there is sufficient rockwork
• May show mild territorial behavior toward other damsels or similar species, so avoid mixing with aggressive or timid fish when space is limited
  

Suitable Tank Mates:
Peaceful reef fish such as gobies, blennies, wrasses, clownfish, and other small semi peaceful species. Good for reef or community aquariums

Reef Compatibility

Springer’s Damselfish is considered reef safe. They typically do not nip at corals or disturb rockwork and are compatible with invertebrates and most corals, making them a good choice for reef tanks

Acclimation & Care Tips

• Introduce into a stable, well cycled aquarium with established water parameters
• Use slow drip acclimation when adding to the tank to reduce stress
• Provide ample hiding places and rockwork to give them a sense of security
• Feed small, regular meals rather than large infrequent feedings to maintain water quality
• Monitor interactions if housed with other damsels or territorial species
  

Signs of a Healthy Specimen

• Active, alert swimming and normal exploration behavior
• Bright, rich blue body coloration with no dull patches or discoloration
• Smooth fins and intact body with no tears or damage
• Good appetite, readily accepts flakes, pellets, or frozen foods
• Clear eyes and no visible signs of disease or stress
  

Color & Development

• Displays deep electric blue body coloration; under good lighting and healthy conditions, the blue appears vibrant and metallic
• Adults remain compact and maintain their blue color; size stays small at 2–3 inches in aquarium conditions
  

Special Considerations

• Generally peaceful, but may become territorial if tank is too small or there are aggressive species
• Provide plenty of hiding spots such as caves, live rock, or crevices to reduce stress and territorial behavior
• Stable water parameters are important: clean, filtered water with consistent salinity, temperature, and pH
• When pairing with other damsels or semi aggressive fish, ensure adequate space and observation
  

Breeding Potential

Springer’s Damselfish are egg layers. In optimal conditions, they have been known to spawn, with males guarding and tending to eggs until they hatch. Successful breeding in captivity requires stable water conditions and a suitable tank setup, and remains relatively uncommon in home aquariums

Why Choose a Quarantined Springer’s Damselfish?

A quarantined Springer’s Damselfish arrives healthy, free from parasites, and already acclimated to aquarium conditions. Our quarantine process, including observation, health checks, and conditioning to prepared foods, helps ensure you receive a strong, stress free fish that adapts quickly, displays vibrant coloration, and integrates well into your reef or FOWLR system