Fin's Fish Guide
The Dusky damselfish (Stegastes fuscus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 13 cm.
Western Atlantic, mainly along Brazil and the southern Caribbean, on shallow coral and rocky reefs.
Description
The dusky damselfish is a stocky, laterally compressed reef fish of the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) reaching about 13 cm. Adults are uniformly dark brown; juveniles have handsome blue spots and a yellow back. The species lives on shallow coral and rock reefs along the western Atlantic coast, especially off Brazil. It is strongly territorial and farms and fiercely defends its own 'garden' of filamentous algae, on which it feeds together with small invertebrates; it even chases off much larger intruders. The male guards the eggs attached to the reef. Through this behaviour it has a strong influence on the reef's growth.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dusky damselfish?
The Dusky damselfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Stocky, dark brown damselfish that fiercely defends its own small 'algal garden' on the reef; juveniles have small blue spots.
Where does the Dusky damselfish live?
The Dusky damselfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, mainly along Brazil and the southern Caribbean, on shallow coral and rocky reefs.
How big does the Dusky damselfish get?
The Dusky damselfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Dusky damselfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dusky damselfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dusky damselfish edible?
The Dusky damselfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stegastes
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Dusky damselfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dusky damselfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.