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Threeline damsel (Pomacentrus trilineatus) — Pomacentridae

Threeline damsel

Pomacentrus trilineatus
Family: Pomacentridae

The Threeline damsel (Pomacentrus trilineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–4.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia and others

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Description

The threeline damsel is a small reef fish (Pomacentridae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a brown-grey body with fine blue lines on the head and back. As a territorial reef-dweller it lives above shallow coral and rocky reefs and eats algae, zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threeline damsel?

The Threeline damsel has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Threeline damsel live?

The Threeline damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia and others

How big does the Threeline damsel get?

The Threeline damsel grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Threeline damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Threeline damsel 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Threeline damsel sourced
Scientific name
Pomacentrus trilineatus
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Threeline damsel verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
4.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. 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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