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Damselfish (Dischistodus perspicillatus) — Pomacentridae

Damselfish

Dischistodus perspicillatus
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Damselfish (Dischistodus perspicillatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
1.0–10.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The white damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the western Pacific. The species has a deep, whitish body with a few dark blotches on the back. Adults live on small patch reefs of shallow lagoons with algae or seagrass growth. It fiercely defends a territory with an algal garden that it grazes. It feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damselfish?

The Damselfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Damselfish live?

The Damselfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Damselfish get?

The Damselfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Damselfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Damselfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Damselfish edible?

The Damselfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Witte rifjuffer sourced
English name
Damselfish verified
Scientific name
Dischistodus perspicillatus
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Four-spot demoiselle; Two-barred puller; White damsel verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Dischistodus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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