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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
2–10 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Andaman Is.

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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. Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Andaman Is.

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. 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

Proteus damsel (Pomacentrus proteus) — Pomacentridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Coastal Impact, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Proteus damsel (Pomacentrus proteus) — Pomacentridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) paulsullivan25, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Proteus damsel (Pomacentrus proteus) — Pomacentridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Paulmathi Vinod, some rights reserved (CC BY))

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All data

Identification

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 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2 verified
Max depth (m)
10 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Andaman Is. sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus
Territorial
Yes
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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 Pomacentrus

More from the family Pomacentridae

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