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Blackmargined damsel (Pomacentrus melanochir) — Pomacentridae

Blackmargined damsel

Pomacentrus melanochir
Family: Pomacentridae

The Blackmargined damsel (Pomacentrus melanochir) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–8.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Timor-Leste

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Description

The Blackmargined damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from shallow coral-reef and rocky water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body, often with blue, yellow or brown tints. As a territorial fish it fiercely defends a patch of reef with algae and snaps at plankton, algae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackmargined damsel?

The Blackmargined damsel has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Blackmargined damsel live?

The Blackmargined damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Timor-Leste

How big does the Blackmargined damsel get?

The Blackmargined damsel grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Blackmargined damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackmargined damsel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackmargined damsel sourced
Scientific name
Pomacentrus melanochir
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Indonesian damselfish; Orange-spot damsel; Indonesian damsel verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
8.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Timor-Leste sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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