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Amboina damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) — Pomacentridae

Amboina damselfish

Pomacentrus amboinensis
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Amboina damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–40.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Pacific; lagoons, coastal reefs and outer reef slopes.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Ambon damselfish is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a stocky body that can range from yellowish to brown, often with a bluish sheen on the head. It is a common reef fish of lagoons, coastal reefs, passages and outer reef slopes, staying in sandy areas around coral or rock outcrops and other shelter. Adults usually live in small groups. It feeds on zooplankton, algae and small invertebrates. The male guards the eggs laid on the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Amboina damselfish?

The Amboina damselfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Common reef damselfish around coral and rock heads; the male guards the brood on the bottom.

Where does the Amboina damselfish live?

The Amboina damselfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; lagoons, coastal reefs and outer reef slopes.

How big does the Amboina damselfish get?

The Amboina damselfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Amboina damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Amboina damselfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Amboina damselfish edible?

The Amboina damselfish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Amboina damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) — Pomacentridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) donnymidas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Amboina damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) — Pomacentridae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Rickard Zerpe (CC BY 2.0)
Amboina damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) — Pomacentridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) juju98, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Amboina damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) — Pomacentridae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Rickard Zerpe (CC BY 2.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Amboina damselfish verified
Scientific name
Pomacentrus amboinensis
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Amboina demoiselle; Ambon damsel; Ambon damselfish; Pallid damsel-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Natural range
Western Pacific; lagoons, coastal reefs and outer reef slopes. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Zooplankton, algae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Common reef damselfish around coral and rock heads; the male guards the brood on the bottom. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Pomacentrus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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