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Black damsel (Neoglyphidodon melas) — Pomacentridae

Black damsel

Neoglyphidodon melas
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Black damsel (Neoglyphidodon melas) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–12.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bowtie damselfish is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. Adults are entirely jet-black, while juveniles are brightly coloured white, yellow and blue. They live in coral-rich parts of lagoon and seaward reefs, often near soft corals and gorgonians. Adults feed among other things on the polyps of soft corals, on algae and on small zooplankton from the water column. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black damsel?

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

Where does the Black damsel live?

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

How big does the Black damsel get?

The Black damsel grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Black damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Black damsel is harmless to humans.

Is the Black damsel edible?

The Black damsel is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwarte rifbaars sourced
English name
Black damsel verified
Scientific name
Neoglyphidodon melas
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Black damsel; Black damselfish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

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 Neoglyphidodon

More from the family Pomacentridae

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