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Indian damsel (Pomacentrus indicus) — Pomacentridae

Indian damsel

Pomacentrus indicus
Family: Pomacentridae

The Indian damsel (Pomacentrus indicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Chagos Is., Andaman Is.

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Description

The Indian damsel is a small reef fish (Pomacentridae) from the northern Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a grey-blue body with fine blue lines on the head and back. As a territorial reef-dweller it lives above shallow coral and rocky reefs and eats algae, zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Indian damsel?

The Indian damsel has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Indian damsel live?

The Indian damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Chagos Is., Andaman Is.

How big does the Indian damsel get?

The Indian damsel grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Indian damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Indian 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
Indian damsel sourced
Scientific name
Pomacentrus indicus
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Indian damsel verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue 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)
15.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Chagos Is., Andaman Is. 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 Pomacentrus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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