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Guardian damselfish (Altrichthys curatus) — Pomacentridae

Guardian damselfish

Altrichthys curatus
Family: Pomacentridae

The Guardian damselfish (Altrichthys curatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–10.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The guardian damselfish is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the western Pacific, around the Philippines. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a greyish, laterally compressed body. It is remarkable for having no free-floating larval stage: the parents actively guard their school of young among coral and branch bases and chase off intruders. It eats zooplankton and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Guardian damselfish?

The Guardian damselfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Guardian damselfish live?

The Guardian damselfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Guardian damselfish get?

The Guardian damselfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Guardian damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Guardian damselfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bewaker-juffer sourced
English name
Guardian damselfish sourced
Scientific name
Altrichthys curatus
Family
Pomacentridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Pomacentridae

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