It has been hypothesized that the bold contrast of black and white attract fish of the same species, yet display as a sign of their host coral's toxicity to potential predators.

The black and white damselfish maintains a symbiotic relationship with its coral reef through exchange of nutrients for shelter.

As planktivores, the humbug acts as a “gardener” by grazing on unwanted algae and excreting its waste in the form of phosphate and ammonium.

The shallow reefs can range from around one to ten meters deep and the inhabiting damselfish rarely stray far from the home they were born in.

[8] As a group that will stay at the same coral reef for their entire life, Dascyllus aruanus is very aggressive when it comes to their territory.

This constant and efficient reproduction system is likely a large contributing factor to the stable conservation status of Dascyllus aruanus.

As climate change continues to raise ocean temperatures, the humbug's lifestyle dwindles in response.

Despite maintaining a status of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List,[15] the damselfish population remains susceptible to thermal stress and habitat loss by coral bleaching.

According to a climate change study conducted in 2020, warmer oceans will result in an increase in mobility and a decrease in aggression by Dascyllus aruanus.

The change in behavioral patterns are predicted to shift the social dynamics of a variety of fish that live in cohabitation with the humbug.

[16] While coral reefs are one of the most critical habitats put at risk by climate change, its relationship with Dascyllus aruanus increases its resistance to these effects.

The symbiotic relationship between Dascyllus aruanus and its habitat is beneficial and critical to both species as ocean waters continue to rise in temperature.

[17] The current hope of this species rests in their plasticity, as the black and white damselfish have been found to adapt to dead coral colonies.

These adaptations will help preserve the Dascyllus aruanus, but the effects of climate change could still put them at risk of endangerment or extinction.