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Deep reef chromis (Chrysiptera biocellata) — Pomacentridae

Deep reef chromis

Chrysiptera biocellata
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Deep reef chromis (Chrysiptera biocellata) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
12.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–5.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-Pacific, on sheltered inner reefs, shallow lagoons and channels over rubble and rocky outcrops.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The twinspot damselfish is a damselfish (family Pomacentridae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 12 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body; adults are usually brownish with a paler rear, while juveniles bear two eyespots (ocelli) on the back, which give the species its name. It inhabits protected inner reef flats, shallow lagoons and channels over rubble and rocky outcrops and is strongly territorial. Its diet consists mainly of filamentous algae. Reproduction occurs in pairs, with the eggs laid on the substrate. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep reef chromis?

The Deep reef chromis has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Territorial algae-grazing damselfish; juveniles with two eyespots (ocelli).

Where does the Deep reef chromis live?

The Deep reef chromis lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific, on sheltered inner reefs, shallow lagoons and channels over rubble and rocky outcrops.

How big does the Deep reef chromis get?

The Deep reef chromis grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Deep reef chromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep reef chromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Deep reef chromis edible?

The Deep reef chromis is not usually eaten.

More photos

Deep reef chromis (Chrysiptera biocellata) — Pomacentridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Raphael Forns, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Deep reef chromis (Chrysiptera biocellata) — Pomacentridae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble (CC BY 2.0)
Deep reef chromis (Chrysiptera biocellata) — Pomacentridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Mark Rosenstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Deep reef chromis (Chrysiptera biocellata) — Pomacentridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) SLouisy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Deep reef chromis verified
Scientific name
Chrysiptera biocellata
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Twinspot damselfish; Twospot damselfish; Two-spot demoisele; Two-spot demoiselle; White-saddle damsel; Twospot demoiselle verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.5 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)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-Pacific, on sheltered inner reefs, shallow lagoons and channels over rubble and rocky outcrops. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly filamentous algae 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
Territorial algae-grazing damselfish; juveniles with two eyespots (ocelli). sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. 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 Chrysiptera

More from the family Pomacentridae

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