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Proteus damsel (Pomacentrus proteus) — Pomacentridae

Proteus damsel

Pomacentrus proteus
Family: Pomacentridae

The Proteus damsel (Pomacentrus proteus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–10.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Proteus damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from shallow reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, blue-grey body. As a territorial, day-active fish it fiercely defends a patch of coral or rock and snaps at algae, zooplankton and small invertebrates. It lays its eggs on the bottom, where the male guards them. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Proteus damsel?

The Proteus damsel has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Proteus damsel live?

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

How big does the Proteus damsel get?

The Proteus damsel grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Proteus damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Proteus damsel is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Proteus-rifbaarsje sourced
English name
Proteus damsel sourced
Scientific name
Pomacentrus proteus
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Colombo damsel; Colombo damselfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
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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