Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue-peppered damsel (Chrysiptera oxycephala) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The blue-peppered damsel is a small damselfish from the western Pacific and the Indo-Australian Archipelago. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a greenish to brownish body sprinkled with numerous bright blue dots. It lives on coral-rich lagoon and coastal reefs, often among branching coral into which it darts when threatened, and feeds on algae and small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans, occurs in the aquarium trade and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue-peppered damsel?
The Blue-peppered damsel has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Studded with glossy blue spots; shelters among branching coral
Where does the Blue-peppered damsel live?
The Blue-peppered damsel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific
How big does the Blue-peppered damsel get?
The Blue-peppered damsel grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Blue-peppered damsel dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue-peppered 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.
Is the Blue-peppered damsel edible?
The Blue-peppered damsel is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chrysiptera
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Blue-peppered damsel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue-peppered damsel is one of 12,519 species in the app.