| Family: |
Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae |
| Max. size: |
8.58 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 10 m |
| Distribution: |
Central Pacific: Fiji, Tonga and American Samoa. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-14. This pomacentrid species is distinguished by the following characters: D X, 16-18 (usually X, 17); A II, 14; pectoral rays 18 (rarely 17); tubed lateral-line scales 36-43; gill rakers 5 + 12-14 (total 17-19); opercular spinules 11-19; body depth 1.7-1.9 in SL; body color generally red-orange including fins, grading to brownish on upper back of adults and a single white bar immediately posterior to the eye, its greatest width equal to that of eye or greater, narrowing to one-third to one-half of greatest width at dorsal midline (Ref. 78105). |
| Biology: |
The species is common on coral reefs, about 2-10 m and is generally commensal with large sea anemones, either Entacmaea quadricolor (Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828) or
Heteractis crispa (Ehrenberg, 1834). It is usually seen in groups that swim a short distance above their host anemones, apparently feeding on zooplankton. Reported to have been frequently encountered on local reefs in about 6-8 m depth, usually in association with Entacmaea quadricolor (Paul Brown, National Park of American Samoa, pers.comm.) (Ref. 78105). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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