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Damsel fish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) — Pomacentridae

Damsel fish

Dascyllus trimaculatus
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Damsel fish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–55.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The threespot dascyllus is a damselfish (family Pomacentridae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 14 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, black body; juveniles bear three conspicuous white spots, which give the species its name. Adults inhabit coral and rocky reefs, while juveniles often live commensally with large sea anemones, sea urchins or small coral heads. The species occurs in small to large aggregations and feeds on zooplankton, algae and small invertebrates. Males guard the eggs laid on the bottom. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damsel fish?

The Damsel fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Damsel fish live?

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

How big does the Damsel fish get?

The Damsel fish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Damsel fish dangerous to humans?

No, the Damsel fish is harmless to humans.

Is the Damsel fish edible?

The Damsel fish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Driestip-rifbaars sourced
English name
Damsel fish verified
Scientific name
Dascyllus trimaculatus
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Damselfish; Domino; Domino damselfish; Three spot damsel; Three spot damselfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Spots 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)
55.0 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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