Fin's Fish Guide
The Spot-eared damselfish (Stegastes otophorus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The spot-eared damselfish is a damselfish from the western Atlantic, in the Caribbean and along Brazil. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a yellow-brown to greyish body with a dark spot by the gill cover. It is strongly territorial: it fiercely defends a 'garden' of algae on rocky or coral-rich reefs, which it grazes, and chases off intruders. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spot-eared damselfish?
The Spot-eared damselfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Strongly territorial; defends and grazes an algal garden
Where does the Spot-eared damselfish live?
The Spot-eared damselfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic
How big does the Spot-eared damselfish get?
The Spot-eared damselfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Spot-eared damselfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Spot-eared damselfish 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.
Is the Spot-eared damselfish edible?
The Spot-eared damselfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Stegastes
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Spot-eared damselfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spot-eared damselfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.