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Bumphead damselfish (Microspathodon bairdii) — Pomacentridae

Bumphead damselfish

Microspathodon bairdii
Family: Pomacentridae

The Bumphead damselfish (Microspathodon bairdii) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–8.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bumphead damselfish is a reef fish (Pomacentridae) from the eastern Pacific, off Central America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, dark body; adults develop a fleshy bump on the forehead. As a reef-dweller it lives on shallow rocky and coral reefs to about eight metres deep and grazes algae, which it fiercely defends against intruders. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bumphead damselfish?

The Bumphead damselfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Bumphead damselfish live?

The Bumphead damselfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Bumphead damselfish get?

The Bumphead damselfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Bumphead damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bumphead damselfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bumphead damselfish edible?

The Bumphead damselfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bultkop-koraaljuffer verified
English name
Bumphead damselfish verified
Scientific name
Microspathodon bairdii
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Bumphead damselfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
8.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Microspathodon

More from the family Pomacentridae

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