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Golden damsel (Chrysiptera galba) — Pomacentridae

Golden damsel

Chrysiptera galba
Family: Pomacentridae

The Golden damsel (Chrysiptera galba) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–30.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Cook Is., French Polynesia, Pitcairn

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Description

The Golden damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from reef water of the central and southern Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an oval, bright golden-yellow body. As a territorial bottom-dweller it defends a patch among coral and rubble on the reef and eats algae, small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Golden damsel?

The Golden damsel has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Golden damsel live?

The Golden damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Cook Is., French Polynesia, Pitcairn

How big does the Golden damsel get?

The Golden damsel grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Golden damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Golden damsel 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
Golden damsel sourced
Scientific name
Chrysiptera galba
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Canary demoiselle sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Cook Is., French Polynesia, Pitcairn sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
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 Chrysiptera

More from the family Pomacentridae

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