Rolland's Damsel, Chrysiptera rollandi, is a unique and pretty damsel. They have a multi-colored body split down the center consisting of white tail region and a dark/black head region. It is for this reason that Rolland's Damsel is sometime referred to as the Black Cap Damsel. These colors are accented with blue lines and dots scattered across Rolland's Damsel. They make a great fish for beginner aquarists as they are hardy, disease resistant, not picky eaters, and relatively non-aggressive for a damsel. They like open rock formations, ample swimming space, and can be kept in odd-numbered groups introduced at the same time. Rolland's Damsel is a fun and colorful addition to any reef community and can be added with little risk - this makes Rolland's Damsel a great fish for almost any home aquarium. 

Rolland's Damsel Overview

Rolland's Damsel (Chrysiptera rollandi) is a popular and captivating addition to saltwater marine aquariums, known for its vibrant colors and active demeanor. This species, native to the Indo-Pacific region, has become a sought-after choice among marine enthusiasts due to its hardiness and adaptability in captivity.

Habitat of Rolland's Damsel

In the wild, Rolland's Damsel can inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 25 meters. Their natural habitat offers a mix of open water and crevices, providing them with places to hide and explore. When recreating their habitat in a home aquarium, it is essential to mimic these features to ensure the well-being of the fish.

Reef Compatibility of Rolland's Damsel

Rolland's Damsel is generally considered reef-safe, making it a suitable choice for reef aquariums. These fish do not exhibit aggressive behavior towards corals or other invertebrates, allowing hobbyists to create a diverse and visually appealing marine environment.

Size and Lifespan of Rolland's Damsel

This damselfish species typically reaches a size of 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length when fully grown. With proper care and a well-maintained environment, Rolland's Damsel can live for several years, offering enthusiasts a long-term companion in their marine aquarium.

Diet of Rolland's Damsel in Captivity

Rolland's Damsel is an omnivorous species, feeding on a varied diet that includes meaty and plant-based foods. They readily accept high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods in captivity. Providing a diverse diet ensures the fish receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health and vibrant coloration.

Aquaculture Availability of Rolland's Damsel

Rolland's Damsel is often successfully aquacultured, contributing to sustainable practices in the aquarium trade. This means hobbyists can find captive-bred specimens, which are generally hardier and more adaptable to aquarium life than wild-caught counterparts. Saltwaterfish.com prides itself on offering aquacultured marine species, ensuring a responsible and ethical source for enthusiasts.

Compatibility with Other Fish and Invertebrates

These damselfish are known for their territorial behavior, especially during the initial acclimation period. When selecting tank mates, choosing species that can handle the occasional territorial disputes is advisable. Some suitable tank mates include Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Firefish, Gobies, and peaceful wrasses.

Sexual Dimorphism of Rolland's Damsel

Rolland's Damsel does not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making it challenging to distinguish between males and females visually. However, during the breeding season, subtle behavioral differences may become noticeable.

Juvenile to Adult Coloration Changes of Rolland's Damsel

Juvenile Rolland's Damsels display a striking electric blue coloration, gradually transitioning into a more subdued blue or brown as they mature. The transition is fascinating to observe and adds visual interest to the aquarium.

Temperament of Rolland's Damsel

These damselfish are known for their active and bold nature. While they may display territorial behavior, especially when establishing a hierarchy, providing ample hiding spaces and maintaining a proper group size can mitigate aggression.

Tank Requirements for Rolland's Damsel

• Minimum Aquarium Size: A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended.
• Provide ample hiding places and open swimming areas.
• Ideal water conditions include a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4, salinity between 1.020 and 1.025, temperature between 74°F and 82°F, and moderate water flow to simulate their natural habitat.

Other Common Names of Rolland's Damsel

Rolland's Damsel may also be known by other common names, including Rolland's Demoiselle.

Five Compatible Tank Mates

• Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
• Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
• Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica)
• Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
• Sixline Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)

Why Choose Saltwaterfish.com

Saltwaterfish.com is a reputable online source for marine aquarium enthusiasts. They prioritize sustainability by offering aquacultured specimens, ensuring the health and adaptability of the fish. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Saltwaterfish.com provides a reliable and convenient platform for acquiring Rolland's Damsel and other marine species for your aquarium.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rolland's Damsel is a captivating species that brings vibrancy and energy to saltwater aquariums. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, the hardiness and adaptability of Rolland's Damsel make it an excellent choice for enhancing the beauty of your marine environment. Choose Saltwaterfish.com for a responsible and ethical source of Rolland's Damsel and embark on a journey of underwater fascination today.