Fin's Fish Guide
The Cape Verde gregory (Stegastes imbricatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 10 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, endemic around the Cape Verde Islands, on rocky reefs of shallow coastal water.
Description
The Cape Verde gregory is a stocky, oval reef fish of the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) reaching about 10 cm and endemic around the Cape Verde Islands. The laterally compressed body is mostly brownish in adults, while young fish are more brightly coloured, often with blue spots. Like many damselfishes the species is strongly territorial: it fiercely defends a patch of reef on which it farms and grazes a 'garden' of algae, supplemented with small invertebrates. It lives on rocky reefs of shallow coastal water. In the breeding season the female lays the eggs on the rock, after which the male defends and cleans the clutch until it hatches. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cape Verde gregory?
The Cape Verde gregory has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Stocky, oval reef fish (damselfish); juveniles are more brightly coloured, often with blue spots, than the brownish adults.
Where does the Cape Verde gregory live?
The Cape Verde gregory lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic, endemic around the Cape Verde Islands, on rocky reefs of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Cape Verde gregory get?
The Cape Verde gregory grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Cape Verde gregory dangerous to humans?
No, the Cape Verde gregory is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cape Verde gregory edible?
The Cape Verde gregory is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Cape Verde gregory?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cape Verde gregory is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stegastes
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Cape Verde gregory?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cape Verde gregory is one of 12,519 species in the app.