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Jewelfish (Microspathodon chrysurus) — Pomacentridae

Jewelfish

Microspathodon chrysurus
Family: Pomacentridae
LC · Least Concern

The Jewelfish (Microspathodon chrysurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–120.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The yellowtail damselfish is a damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. Adults grow to about 21 cm and are dark brown to black with a conspicuous yellow tail; juveniles are dark with bright blue spots. It is a common, strongly territorial species of coral reefs, often near fire coral (Millepora) where juveniles shelter among the branches. The fish grazes mainly on algae, supplemented with small invertebrates. The male fiercely guards the eggs laid on the bottom. The yellowtail damselfish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Jewelfish?

The Jewelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Jewelfish live?

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

How big does the Jewelfish get?

The Jewelfish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Jewelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Jewelfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Jewelfish edible?

The Jewelfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Geelstaart-juffertje sourced
English name
Jewelfish verified
Scientific name
Microspathodon chrysurus
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Sheephead; Yellowtail damsel; Yellowtail damselfish; Yellowtail Damselfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
120.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore 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 Microspathodon

More from the family Pomacentridae

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