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Marginate dascyllus (Dascyllus marginatus) — Pomacentridae

Marginate dascyllus

Dascyllus marginatus
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Marginate dascyllus (Dascyllus marginatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The marginate dascyllus is a small damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the Red Sea and north-western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a pale, deep body with a dark, red-brown margin along the dorsal and anal fins. It lives in close association with stony corals, especially of the genus Stylophora, where small groups shelter among the coral branches when threatened. As an omnivore it picks zooplankton from the water column and grazes algae. In spawning the male guards the eggs laid on the coral. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Marginate dascyllus?

The Marginate dascyllus has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Marginate dascyllus live?

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

How big does the Marginate dascyllus get?

The Marginate dascyllus grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Marginate dascyllus dangerous to humans?

No, the Marginate dascyllus is harmless to humans.

Is the Marginate dascyllus edible?

The Marginate dascyllus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodzoom-juffertje sourced
English name
Marginate dascyllus verified
Scientific name
Dascyllus marginatus
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Red Sea dascyllus verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White 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)
15.0 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
No 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 Dascyllus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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