It's Always Footballer Season

The Footballer Damselfish (Chrysiptera annulate) is a member of the family Pomacentridae, better known as the anemone fish / damsel fish family. This includes everything from Fiji Devils, to Green Chromis, to Clownfishes! At first glance these might be confused for the common Three Stripe Damsels, but these fish are different in that they have a black spot on their snout, larger, accentuated pelvic fins, and the fins can have a minor (but gorgeous) outline in metallic blue.

Footballers are found in the Western Indian ocean, but are most often exported from Mauritius and Madagascar. They live in very shallow water, inside the reef in lagoon and calm macroalgae dominant areas such as sand flats.

Footballers only each a maximum length of a little over three inches, and depending on how many you're trying to keep, do well in aquariums as small as 20 gallons. Many aquarists who have cared for them, claim that they are not as aggressive as other damselfish, but in our opinion, they should still be considered territorial. Rock work, macro algae, and soft coral would all help to recreate their natural environment. Naturally coming from shallow water environments, they are well adapted to the bright lights of a reef aquarium.

Like most Damselfish, these are not picky eaters, and adapt well to aquarium fare. A high quality pellet, and smaller meaty frozen foods such as enriched brine shrimp and mysis are generally readily accepted.

While the Footballer is not being commercially, they should be considered a prime candidate for an at home breeding candidate. The eggs are adhered to the substrate and the male Footballer will care for and aerate the eggs. Care beyond that would likely be similar to raising clownfish, with small live foods needed to rear the offspring once they had hatched.

The Footballer Damsel is a beautiful, unique acquisition within this group of fish, while offering some benefits of being less aggressive than some other species in this popular family. Their intense activity level and stark coloration will keep you entertained for hours in front of the aquarium. Ask your local fish store to get you a sustainably sourced Footballer from Quality Marine today!