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Blue damsel (Chrysiptera glauca) — Pomacentridae

Blue damsel

Chrysiptera glauca
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue damsel (Chrysiptera glauca) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–3.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-Pacific; exposed intertidal reef flats and sandy beaches.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The grey demoiselle is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 11 cm; juveniles are bright blue, while adults turn greyish. It inhabits exposed intertidal reef flats and sandy beaches with rubble or consolidated reef rock, in areas of mild surge, and also occurs near freshwater run-offs. As an omnivore it grazes algae and picks small zooplankton and invertebrates. The male guards the eggs laid on the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue damsel?

The Blue damsel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Juveniles bright blue, adults dull grey; inhabits surf reef flats near freshwater outflows.

Where does the Blue damsel live?

The Blue damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; exposed intertidal reef flats and sandy beaches.

How big does the Blue damsel get?

The Blue damsel grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Blue damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue damsel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue damsel edible?

The Blue damsel is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blue damsel verified
Scientific name
Chrysiptera glauca
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Damselfish; Gray demoiselle; Grey damsel; Grey damselfish; Grey demoiselle; Pale-blue damsel; Sombre damsel-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
3.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-Pacific; exposed intertidal reef flats and sandy beaches. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, small zooplankton and 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
Juveniles bright blue, adults dull grey; inhabits surf reef flats near freshwater outflows. 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 Chrysiptera

More from the family Pomacentridae

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