Australian Damsel, Pomacentrus australis (Allen & Robertson, 1973)
Scientific name: Pomacentrus australis
Similar species:
The Australian Damsel looks similar to the Blue Damsel. The two species can be distinguished by the yellow anal and caudal fins of the Blue Damsel.
The Australian Damsel looks similar to the Blue Damsel. The two species can be distinguished by the yellow anal and caudal fins of the Blue Damsel.
Click to enlarge image
An Australian Damsel at a depth of 2m, Little Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, 14 April 2016.
Image: Jack Hannan
© Jack Hannan
© Jack Hannan
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Pomacentrus
- Species
- australis
- Family
- Pomacentridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 10 cm in length.
-
- Habitats
- coral reef, muddy bottom, rock reef
Introduction
Adult Australian Damsels can be recognised by their colouration. The juveniles are vivid blue.
Identification
Adult Australian Damsels are blue to bluish-grey on the upper sides of the body and often paler below. The centre of each scale is blue. Juveniles are vivid blue.
Habitat
It occurs on shallow coral and rocky reefs as well as muddy areas.
Distribution
The species occurs throughout the Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it is known from the central coast and reefs of Queensland to the southern coast of New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus. Pp.271.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
