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Black damsel (Chrysiptera niger) — Pomacentridae

Black damsel

Chrysiptera niger
Family: Pomacentridae

The Black damsel (Chrysiptera niger) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–2.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Black damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an oval, dark blue to black body. As a territorial bottom-dweller it defends a patch among coral and rubble on the reef and eats algae, small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black damsel?

The Black damsel has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Black damsel live?

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

How big does the Black damsel get?

The Black damsel grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Black damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Black damsel is harmless to humans.

Is the Black damsel edible?

Yes, the Black damsel is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwarte juffer sourced
English name
Black damsel sourced
Scientific name
Chrysiptera niger
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Black demoiselle; Tufi damselfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

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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