| Family: |
Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Microspathodontinae |
| Max. size: |
21 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 120 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: southern Florida (USA) and Bermuda through the Caribbean Sea to Brazil (Ref. 40101). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-13. Tail bright yellow. Juveniles dark blue with transparent tail and electric blue spots on side (Ref. 26938). Adults dark yellowish brown, the edges of the scales darker (Ref 13442). |
| Biology: |
A common (Ref. 9710) territorial species that inhabits coral reefs, juveniles usually encountered among branches of yellow stinging coral, Millepora. Adults are found in very shallow waters of coral reefs, usually near top of outer edge where there are caves, holes, and abundant fire coral (Ref. 26938). Feed primarily on algae but also on polyps of fire coral (Ref. 3139) and other invertebrate animal material (Ref. 13442). Juveniles occasionally pick parasites from other species of fish (Ref. 3139). 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). Occasionally marketed fresh (Ref. 3139). Have been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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