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Damselfish (Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon) — Pomacentridae

Damselfish

Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Damselfish (Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–20.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-West Pacific; sheltered lagoons and coastal reefs around branching coral.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The lagoon damselfish is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, dull-brown body; juveniles are brighter with blue and yellow tints. Adults inhabit protected lagoons and coastal reefs around branching corals, usually in places with much algae on coral rubble. It is fiercely territorial and defends an algal garden. As an omnivore it grazes mainly algae and picks small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damselfish?

The Damselfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Juveniles brightly coloured; fiercely territorial, defends a small algal garden around branching coral.

Where does the Damselfish live?

The Damselfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; sheltered lagoons and coastal reefs around branching coral.

How big does the Damselfish get?

The Damselfish grows to a maximum of about 18 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
Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Giant farmer fish; Lagoon damsel; Lagoon damselfish; Sweetlip damsel; Purple-spotted demoiselle verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific; sheltered lagoons and coastal reefs around branching coral. 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
Juveniles brightly coloured; fiercely territorial, defends a small algal garden around branching coral. 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

More from the family Pomacentridae

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