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Freshwater demoiselle (Neopomacentrus aquadulcis) — Pomacentridae

Freshwater demoiselle

Neopomacentrus aquadulcis
Family: Pomacentridae

The Freshwater demoiselle (Neopomacentrus aquadulcis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
1.0–3.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Papua New Guinea

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Description

The freshwater demoiselle is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from coastal, estuarine and lower river water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, grey-brown body with a yellow tail region. Unusually for the family it tolerates widely varying salinity into fresh water. As a social fish it stays in small groups above rock and roots and snaps at plankton and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Freshwater demoiselle?

The Freshwater demoiselle has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Freshwater demoiselle live?

The Freshwater demoiselle lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Papua New Guinea

How big does the Freshwater demoiselle get?

The Freshwater demoiselle grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Freshwater demoiselle dangerous to humans?

No, the Freshwater demoiselle is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Freshwater demoiselle sourced
Scientific name
Neopomacentrus aquadulcis
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Sweetwater demoiselle sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
3.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Papua New Guinea sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Neopomacentrus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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