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Blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis) — Pomacentridae

Blacksmith

Chromis punctipinnis
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–46.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The blacksmith is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has an oval, blue-black body, in older animals with black spots on the rear half. Adults keep near the bottom over and around rocks, especially along steep banks and in kelp forests; juveniles school higher in the water. It feeds on zooplankton it plucks from the water column. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blacksmith?

The Blacksmith has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blacksmith live?

The Blacksmith lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blacksmith get?

The Blacksmith grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Blacksmith dangerous to humans?

No, the Blacksmith is harmless to humans.

Is the Blacksmith edible?

The Blacksmith is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Smeedvis-rifbaars sourced
English name
Blacksmith verified
Scientific name
Chromis punctipinnis
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Blacksmith; Blacksmith chromis verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy 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)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
46.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chromis

More from the family Pomacentridae

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