WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Dusky Damselfish

Stegastes adustus

Also known as: Dusky Damsel, Farmer Damsel, Orangeback Damselfish, Scarlet-backed Demoiselle

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2015
Juvenile
@JarJar · Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica · October 20151 / 2
01

Overview

Found in shallow surge zones, over coral and rocky reefs and in tide pools. Very aggressive and territorial.

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.

02

How to identify

COLOURS

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03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Central Atlantic, Caribbean
  • Country only · 2
LIVES IN

Found in shallow surge zones, over coral and rocky reefs and in tide pools.

04

Juvenile photos 2

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderOvalentaria incertae sedis
    5. familyPomacentridae
    6. genusStegastes
    7. speciesStegastes adustus (Troschel, 1865)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)