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Kermadec scalyfin (Parma kermadecensis) — Pomacentridae

Kermadec scalyfin

Parma kermadecensis
Family: Pomacentridae

The Kermadec scalyfin (Parma kermadecensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3–20 m
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Zealand, Kermadec Is.

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Description

The Kermadec scalyfin is a large damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the southwest Pacific, around the Kermadec Islands. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a deep, drab-brown body; juveniles are brighter with blue and orange accents. As a territorial reef-dweller it fiercely defends an algal garden on rocky reefs, whose algae it grazes. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kermadec scalyfin?

The Kermadec scalyfin has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Kermadec scalyfin live?

The Kermadec scalyfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: New Zealand, Kermadec Is.

How big does the Kermadec scalyfin get?

The Kermadec scalyfin grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Kermadec scalyfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Kermadec scalyfin is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Kermadec scalyfin (Parma kermadecensis) — Pomacentridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Malcolm Francis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Kermadec scalyfin (Parma kermadecensis) — Pomacentridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Malcolm Francis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Kermadec scalyfin (Parma kermadecensis) — Pomacentridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Malcolm Francis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Kermadec scalyfin (Parma kermadecensis) — Pomacentridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) pcaiger, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Kermadec scalyfin sourced
Scientific name
Parma kermadecensis
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Kermadec scalyfin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3 verified
Max depth (m)
20 verified
Natural range
Oceania: New Zealand, Kermadec Is. sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, seaweeds and plant material
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Parma

More from the family Pomacentridae

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