Fin's Fish Guide
The Charcoal damsel (Pomacentrus brachialis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 8 cm.
Western Pacific from Indonesia to Fiji and Tonga; reef slopes and passages with clear currents.
Description
The charcoal damsel (Pomacentrus brachialis) is a damselfish of the western Pacific, from Indonesia to Fiji, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia. It grows to about 10 centimetres and lives reef-associated at 6-40 metres, often in passages and on outer reef slopes with clear current. The short, disc-shaped body is dark charcoal-grey to blue-black. The fish feeds on zooplankton and benthic algae. In spawning a distinct pair forms and the male guards the adhesive eggs laid on the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Charcoal damsel?
The Charcoal damsel has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Dark charcoal-coloured damselfish of current-swept outer reefs.
Where does the Charcoal damsel live?
The Charcoal damsel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific from Indonesia to Fiji and Tonga; reef slopes and passages with clear currents.
How big does the Charcoal damsel get?
The Charcoal damsel grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Charcoal damsel dangerous to humans?
No, the Charcoal damsel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Charcoal damsel edible?
The Charcoal damsel is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Pomacentrus
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Charcoal damsel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Charcoal damsel is one of 12,519 species in the app.