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Damselfish (Pomacentrus lepidogenys) — Pomacentridae

Damselfish

Pomacentrus lepidogenys
Family: Pomacentridae
NT · Near Threatened

The Damselfish (Pomacentrus lepidogenys) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 9 cm.

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

Description

The scaly damsel is a reef fish of the family Pomacentridae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 9 cm and has a grey-brown body with a yellowish tinge and translucent fins. Adults inhabit lagoons, reef passages and outer reef slopes, where they hover singly or in small groups just above the bottom in the water column, feeding on zooplankton. The eggs are adhesive and laid on the bottom; the male guards the brood. The IUCN assesses the species as near threatened (NT). It is a common sight on outer reefs.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damselfish?

The Damselfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Damselfish live?

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

How big does the Damselfish get?

The Damselfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Damselfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Damselfish edible?

The Damselfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Schubwang-juffertje sourced
English name
Damselfish verified
Scientific name
Pomacentrus lepidogenys
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Scaly damsel verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Average length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin 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
Carnivore 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
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Pomacentrus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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