The yellow coloring may extend up to the back of the anal and dorsal fins, especially in species from Papua New Guinea.

[2] Yellowtail blue damsels prefer densely populated coral groupings in sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs, and generally remain between at a depth of between 3–52 ft (1–16 m).

Because of its usually low price it is often recommended as a way for novice marine aquarium keepers to gain experience.

[4] Though these hardy fish are sometimes used to cycle a tank, aquariums discourage against this practice, encouraging the use of live rock instead.

[5] Thirty gallons is typically quoted as the minimum tank size required to permanently house this fish.

[2][5] C. parasema prefers peaceful tank mates and abundant hiding spots, as they are frequently preyed upon in nature.

[7] Despite its hardy nature, C. parasema also must not be placed in an aquarium with larger predatory fish such as lionfish[citation needed], and grouper which will often see it as a food source.

In captivity, C. parasema shows a preference for spirulina, flake foods, and mysis shrimps.

In general, males may tend to be larger more slender, and will become more aggressive towards females when they are ready to mate.