Cocoa damselfish?

[Picasso Clown]

I recently accidentally became the owner of a cocoa damsel. I was under the impression they were a different species so I have no idea what I’m dealing with. Does anyone have these/experience with them? I need things like max size, aggression, diet, and general behavior. Thank you!!!

 

[User1]

Pass by me. Never really seen them in trade. I guess it would depend on where it is sourced from but here is what I found if it helps. Several hits on the fish when search using cocoa. But again, never seen one for sale online or here at the LFS in Northern Cali.

Section: Fish Library: Group: Damselfishes: Species: Stegastes variabilis (Cocoa Gregory)

Marine Aquarium Library: Damselfishes, Stegastes, Stegastes variabilis

www.saltcorner.com

and

Cocoa Damselfish | Mexican Fish.com

 

[F i s h y]

I recently accidentally became the owner of a cocoa damsel. I was under the impression they were a different species so I have no idea what I’m dealing with. Does anyone have these/experience with them? I need things like max size, aggression, diet, and general behavior. Thank you!!!

Got a pic? I dont know a whole lot about them but a quick Google search makes them sound like a normal damsel fish from the Atlantic and Caribbean. Solitary omnivore somewhat territorial

 

[Picasso Clown]

Sorry for crappy pics

 

[Picasso Clown]

Bump, anyone own one of these little guys?

 

[jsvand5]

Bump, anyone own one of these little guys?

Sorry don’t own one. I see quite a few out snorkeling though. Seem to be pretty feisty. I wouldn’t put one in my tank and I’m a big fan of certain types of damsels in my tanks.

 

[Picasso Clown]

Sorry don’t own one. I see quite a few out snorkeling though. Seem to be pretty feisty. I wouldn’t put one in my tank and I’m a big fan of certain types of damsels in my tanks.

Yeah I’ve seen a couple snorkeling as well, they seem to do well in small juvenile groups, I see the large adults alone though

 

[automattic]

To bump an old thread as there isn't much info on these species. I have one that is 4 years old and quite huge. Around 4-6in. Very aggressive. More than the typical damsel. Very hardy fish.
Carries around very large rocks in his mouth and makes dunes in the sand. Always string up the sand with fins and then diving through it to eat small creatures out of it. Quite a bit of personality. Seems to be fine around fish from early age but any new fish he tends to attack. Especially fish that are blue, yellow or purple in color. He will also attack you when you put your hands in the tank. As they get older they tend to loose a lot of the blue on top and become more yellow with just some darker parts on top.

They don't seem to nip on Coral, they will chew on sponges. pretty forgiving about food. Possibly eating some small brissel worms.