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Blue damselfish (Chrysiptera cyanea) — Pomacentridae

Blue damselfish

Chrysiptera cyanea
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue damselfish (Chrysiptera cyanea) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–10.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The sapphire devil is a small, brightly coloured damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8.5 cm; males and females differ in colour, with males having a brilliant cobalt-blue body and often an orange tail and head. It lives among rubble and coral of clear, sheltered lagoons and subtidal reef flats. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, small zooplankton and small invertebrates. In spawning the male fiercely guards the eggs laid on the bottom. The sapphire devil is popular in the marine aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue damselfish?

The Blue damselfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blue damselfish live?

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

How big does the Blue damselfish get?

The Blue damselfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Blue damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue damselfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue damselfish edible?

The Blue damselfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Saffierjuffertje sourced
English name
Blue damselfish verified
Scientific name
Chrysiptera cyanea
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Blue demoiselle; Blue devil verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue 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)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Chrysiptera

More from the family Pomacentridae

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