WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Giant Damselfish

Microspathodon dorsalis

Also known as: Giant Blue Damselfish, Indigo Damselfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2010
Adult
@abcmath · on a cruise boat in Galapagos islands, Ecuador · March 20151 / 6
01

Overview

Found singly or in pairs, in shallow waters, below surf zones of coral and rocky reefs rich in algae growth. 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.

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How to identify

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Eastern Pacific
  • Country only · 6
LIVES IN

Found singly or in pairs, in shallow waters, below surf zones of coral and rocky reefs rich in algae growth.

04

Adult photos 6

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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. genusMicrospathodon
    7. speciesMicrospathodon dorsalis (Gill, 1862)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)