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Australian damsel (Pomacentrus australis) — Pomacentridae

Australian damsel

Pomacentrus australis
Family: Pomacentridae

The Australian damsel (Pomacentrus australis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–35.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Australian damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from shallow coral-reef and rocky water of the coasts of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body, often with blue, yellow or brown tints. As a territorial fish it fiercely defends a patch of reef with algae and snaps at plankton, algae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian damsel?

The Australian damsel has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Australian damsel live?

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

How big does the Australian damsel get?

The Australian damsel grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Australian damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian damsel is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische rifbaarsje sourced
English name
Australian damsel sourced
Scientific name
Pomacentrus australis
Family
Pomacentridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
35.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
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

Same genus Pomacentrus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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