| Family: |
Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Microspathodontinae |
| Max. size: |
15 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 3 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Atlantic: Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and along the coast of central America to Panama and Venezuela. Also known from the Bahamas and the Antilles. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-17; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-15. Juveniles are reddish orange above, with small bright blue spots on forehead and dark spots at upper pectoral fin base, dorsal fin, and caudal peduncle; colors disappear as fish grows larger (Ref. 26938). Adults dark gray to blackish with vertical black lines on body; a black spot, sometimes diffuse, at upper base of pectoral fins which are pale; other fins dark (Ref. 13442). |
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit rocky shores exposed to wave action. Often in tide pools. Feed primarily on algae and detritus. Territorial and pugnacious. Generally common (Ref. 9710). 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). Taken incidentally in traps and small-meshed beach nets (Ref. 5217). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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