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Damselfish (Dischistodus prosopotaenia) — Pomacentridae

Damselfish

Dischistodus prosopotaenia
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Damselfish (Dischistodus prosopotaenia) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.5 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
1.0–12.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-West Pacific; lagoons and silty coastal reefs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The honey-head damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a deep, laterally compressed body, light grey to brownish, with a yellow tint over the head and usually a dark blotch on the flank. Adults inhabit lagoons and coastal reefs, often in silty areas. It is territorial and defends an algal patch against intruders. It grazes on algae and picks small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damselfish?

The Damselfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Yellow tint over the head and a dark flank blotch; territorial and defends a small algal garden.

Where does the Damselfish live?

The Damselfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; lagoons and silty coastal reefs.

How big does the Damselfish get?

The Damselfish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Damselfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Damselfish edible?

The Damselfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Damselfish verified
Scientific name
Dischistodus prosopotaenia
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Honey-breast damsel; Honey-breasted damsel; Honeyhead damsel; Honey-head damsel; Masked demoiselle; White-breasted damsel verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
12.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific; lagoons and silty coastal reefs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Yellow tint over the head and a dark flank blotch; territorial and defends a small algal garden. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Dischistodus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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