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Red Sea damsel (Chrysiptera sheila) — Pomacentridae

Red Sea damsel

Chrysiptera sheila
Family: Pomacentridae

The Red Sea damsel (Chrysiptera sheila) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–3 m
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Oman

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Description

The Red Sea damsel is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from shallow reef water of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, blue-grey with a yellow tail body. As a territorial, day-active fish it fiercely defends a patch of coral or rubble 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 Red Sea damsel?

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

Where does the Red Sea damsel live?

The Red Sea damsel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Oman

How big does the Red Sea damsel get?

The Red Sea damsel grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Red Sea damsel dangerous to humans?

No, the Red Sea 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

Red Sea damsel (Chrysiptera sheila) — Pomacentridae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Red Sea damsel (Chrysiptera sheila) — Pomacentridae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Red Sea damsel (Chrysiptera sheila) — Pomacentridae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM

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All data

Identification

English name
Red Sea damsel sourced
Scientific name
Chrysiptera sheila
Family
Pomacentridae
Other names
Sheila's damselfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.3 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)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
3 verified
Natural range
Asia: Oman 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 Chrysiptera

More from the family Pomacentridae

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