usually low price it is often recommended as a way for novice marine aquarium keepers to gain experience. Though these hardy fish are sometimes used to cycle a tank, aquariums discourage against this practice, encouraging the use of live rock instead. Thirty gallons is typically quoted as the minimum tank size required to permanently house this fish. In a properly maintained tank, C. parasema will live for 4–6 years or longer, up to 15 years. Behavior C. parasema prefers peaceful tank mates and abundant hiding spots, as they are frequently preyed upon in nature. It is a favorite species among aquarists because it is active, but less aggressive than most damselfish. However, these fish will sometimes harass more passive fish in an aquarium. In addition, despite its comparatively peaceful nature, this species can be territorial with members of its own species. They tend to become more aggressive when kept singly. This aggression can sometimes be reduced by keeping them in small groups of odd numbered fish (three to seven). They do show schooling behavior when kept in large groups. Despite its hardy nature, C. parasema also must not be placed in an aquarium with larger predatory fish such as lionfish, and grouper which will often see it as a food source. Diet In captivity, C. parasema shows a preference for spirulina, flake foods, and mysis shrimps. However, they tend to go after most fish foods, whether frozen, freeze dried, or live. These fish tend to feed towards the bottom of the tank. Reproduction It is very difficult to tell the males apart from the females. In general, males may tend to be larger more slender, and will become more aggressive towards females when they are ready to mate. Males are ultimately responsible for guarding the eggs, so they will also display more territorial behavior over a brood. Breeding occurs readily in captivity. Females will lay around 300 eggs, which will hatch within 96 hours (a few hours after the lights are turned off). The eggs and larvae, due to their significantly small size, are difficult to rear. In addition, brittle stars, serpent stars, wrasses, and crabs will eat damselfish eggs. References liveaquaria.com Page on Chrysiptera parasema fishlore.com Page on Chrysiptera parasema External links parasema Fish described in 1918