Fin's Fish Guide
The Threespot damselfish (Stegastes planifrons) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 13 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean, on coastal and offshore coral reefs, often in staghorn coral.
Description
The threespot damselfish is a damselfish (family Pomacentridae) of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species reaches about 13 cm; adults are yellow-brown, juveniles bright yellow, with three dark spots on the caudal peduncle, the dorsal-fin base and the upper gill cover. It inhabits inshore and offshore coral reefs and often stays in staghorn coral or where algae are abundant; at night it shelters in crevices. The species is strongly territorial and farms and defends a patch of algae on the reef, on which it mainly feeds. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Threespot damselfish?
The Threespot damselfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Strongly territorial algae farmer that defends an algal patch on the reef; three dark blotches, bright yellow juveniles.
Where does the Threespot damselfish live?
The Threespot damselfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean, on coastal and offshore coral reefs, often in staghorn coral.
How big does the Threespot damselfish get?
The Threespot damselfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Threespot damselfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Threespot damselfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Threespot damselfish edible?
The Threespot damselfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Threespot damselfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threespot damselfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Threespot damselfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threespot damselfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.