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Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus) — Pomacentridae

Canary damsel

Abudefduf luridus
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–15 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Canary damsel is a sturdy reef fish of the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) reaching about 15 cm. The deep, laterally compressed body is mostly dark brown to almost black, often with fine light-blue lines on the head; juveniles are scattered with bright blue spots. The species is endemic to the eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands, such as the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries, and along north-western Africa, where it lives on shallow rocky shores. It forms small groups and, as an omnivore, grazes on algae and picks small zooplankton from the water. The male fiercely defends a territory and guards the eggs laid on the rock until they hatch.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Canary damsel?

The Canary damsel is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Canary damsel live?

The Canary damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Canary damsel get?

The Canary damsel grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Canary damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Canary damsel is harmless to humans.

Is the Canary damsel edible?

The Canary damsel is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Canarische koraaljuffer inferred
English name
Canary damsel verified
Scientific name
Abudefduf luridus
Family
Pomacentridae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
15 verified
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock verified
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
15 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore verified
Social behaviour
Small groups verified
Territorial
Yes verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Abudefduf

More from the family Pomacentridae

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