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Arabian damsel (Pomacentrus arabicus) — Pomacentridae

Arabian damsel

Pomacentrus arabicus
Family: Pomacentridae

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

Length
11 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–6.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Arabian damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from shallow reef water of the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, dark blue with fine pale spots body. As a territorial, day-active fish it fiercely defends a patch of coral or rock and snaps at algae, zooplankton and small invertebrates. It lays its eggs on the bottom, where the male guards them. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Arabian damsel?

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

Where does the Arabian damsel live?

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

How big does the Arabian damsel get?

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

Is the Arabian damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Arabian damsel is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Arabisch rifbaarsje sourced
English name
Arabian damsel sourced
Scientific name
Pomacentrus arabicus
Family
Pomacentridae

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)
6.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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