| Family: |
Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae |
| Max. size: |
16 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 65 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Indonesia and the Philippines to northeastern Australia and Melanesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 17-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-16. Description: Color pattern variable, ranging from entirely blackish to uniform pale gray (Ref. 4966). In Philippines and Indonesia usually dark brown; in Australia and Papua New Guinea, there may be several species as suggested by the variability in color pattern (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit inshore and offshore coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Also found in harbors, lagoons and outer reef slopes. The only pomacentrid species that lacks a pelagic larval stage. One of the very few marine fishes where fry are guarded by the parents (Ref. 9710, 48636). School as they grow and sub-adults are usually seen in small groups. Adults form pairs and are territorial when breeding (Ref. 48636). Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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