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Ward's damsel (Pomacentrus wardi) — Pomacentridae

Ward's damsel

Pomacentrus wardi
Family: Pomacentridae

The Ward's damsel (Pomacentrus wardi) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–20.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Viet Nam

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Description

The Ward's damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the southwest Pacific, around Australia. The species grows to about 8 cm. The brown body bears an eyespot on the dorsal fin; it fiercely defends an algal garden. As a reef-dweller it lives around coral and rocky reefs and eats zooplankton and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ward's damsel?

The Ward's damsel has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Ward's damsel live?

The Ward's damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Viet Nam

How big does the Ward's damsel get?

The Ward's damsel grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Ward's damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Ward's 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
Ward's damsel sourced
Scientific name
Pomacentrus wardi
Family
Pomacentridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
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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