Cocoa Damselfish (Stegastes variabilis)

Also known as Cocoa Damsel, Farmer Damsel, Yellow Demoiselle

Description

Also known as Caribbean Cocoa Damselfish, Cocoa Damsel, Farmer Damsel, Yellow Demoiselle.

Found singly or in pairs, close to coral bommie's, of fringing inshore and offshore reefs, rich in algae growth.
They feed on filamentous algae, anemones, ascidians, and sponges.
Juveniles are aggressively territorial.
Length - 12.5cm
Depth - 0-30m
Western Atlantic - Brazil

Damselfish are egg layers.
First they clear a site ready for a nest, then engage in a mating dance with rapid swimming and fin movements, during this time the males will often turn a shade or two darker and may display white blotches. Spawning occurs at dawn. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Stegastes-variabilis

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