ORA Similar Damsel Captive-Bred for Sale
The ORA Similar Damsel Captive-Bred (Pomacentrus similis) is a hardy, aquarium-raised damselfish known for its adaptability, vibrant blue body, and bright yellow tail. This resilient, beginner-friendly marine fish offers the durability of traditional damselfish with a calmer temperament from being captive-bred. ORA’s aquaculture program ensures each specimen is reef-safe, healthy, and well-adjusted to aquarium conditions. Trusted across the saltwater hobby, ORA fish thrive in reef tanks, readily accept prepared foods, and offer sustainable, ethical alternatives to wild-caught fish.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pomacentrus similis |
| Family | Pomacentridae |
| Origin | Captive-bred by ORA (originally Indo-Pacific) |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Purchase Size | .5-1 inches |
| Lifespan | 4–5 years |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons (30+ for groups) |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, less than wild types |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Diet | Omnivore – flakes, frozen foods, pellets, mysis/brine shrimp |
| Temperature | 75–80°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Salinity | 1.020–1.025 |
Appearance
The ORA Similar Damsel shows a deep blue crosshatched body accented by a vivid yellow tail. Its compact, agile build brings movement and contrast to reef aquariums, and its coloration remains stable into adulthood under typical reef lighting.
Care & Requirements
Maintain temperature between 75–80°F with pH near 8.2 and salinity at 1.023. Provide live rock for hiding and grazing, ensuring open swimming areas for active behavior. Offer a mixed diet of pellets, flakes, and frozen mysis or brine shrimp two to three times daily. Captive-bred specimens adapt quickly to captive conditions, show stronger disease resistance, and thrive in well-maintained tanks.
What tank size is best for a Similar Damsel?
A single fish can live in 20 gallons; groups need 30+ gallons.
What do they eat?
Feed flakes, pellets, and frozen mysis or brine shrimp 2–3 times daily.
Are captive-bred specimens calmer?
Yes, they’re less territorial than wild-caught varieties.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
The ORA Similar Damsel pairs well with semi-aggressive fish such as clownfish, tangs, and other damselfish. Avoid timid species or smaller tankmates in limited space. It’s reef-safe, posing no risk to corals or invertebrates. Introducing it last can reduce aggression and territorial claims.
Can I keep several together?
Yes, if tank size exceeds 30 gallons with rockwork to create boundaries.
Safe with corals and shrimp?
Yes, it’s reef-safe and leaves invertebrates unharmed.
Good tankmates?
Compatible with clownfish, gobies, and small wrasses.
Aquaculture / Availability
ORA consistently breeds Pomacentrus similis through sustainable aquaculture. These fish display strong feeding habits, consistent coloration, and excellent disease resistance. Buying captive-bred supports ethical marine farming while ensuring a healthier, tank-adapted specimen.
Is the ORA Similar Damsel captive-bred?
Yes, raised entirely by ORA in Florida.
Do captive-bred fish live longer?
Often yes, due to lower stress and better acclimation.
Why choose captive-bred?
They’re hardier, sustainable, and disease-resistant.
Why Buy From Oceansgarden.com
- Captive-Bred & Sustainable: Many of our fish and invertebrates are captive-bred or sustainably sourced to promote healthy reef ecosystems.
- Expert Care Before Shipping: Every animal is maintained under professional aquarium standards for health, diet, and water quality.
- Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind each shipment with a Live Arrival Guarantee for your peace of mind.
- Fast, Reliable Shipping: Orders are packed with proven methods and shipped overnight to ensure safe arrival.
- Transparent Policies: Clear shipping, refund, and guarantee information available on every order page.
- Trusted by Hobbyists: Backed by years of experience and thousands of satisfied marine aquarium keepers across the U.S.
FAQ
What sets the ORA Similar Damsel apart from others?
It’s a captive-bred, reef-safe fish that’s calmer and hardier than wild-caught damselfish, adapting quickly to aquarium life.
Can it go in a new saltwater setup?
Yes, as long as basic water parameters are stable and live rock is present.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes, its hardiness and feeding adaptability make it ideal for new aquarists.
How often should I feed it?
Feed two or three times daily with varied foods for best color and health.
Does it get along with clownfish?
Generally yes, especially in tanks over 30 gallons with defined spaces.
Can I keep them in a group?
Yes, in larger tanks with hiding spots to diffuse aggression.
Why are captive-bred fish sustainable?
They’re raised in aquaculture settings, reducing wild collection impact.
What lighting and filtration should I use?
Standard reef lighting and moderate water movement work well; a skimmer helps maintain quality.
Do they lose color with age?
No, color remains bright with balanced diet and lighting.
What’s their lifespan?
Typically 4–5 years, longer with stable care and good nutrition.
| size | up to 1.25 inch |
|---|
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