Dick's Damsel, Plectroglyphidodon dickii (Liénard, 1839)

Dick's Damsel can be recognised by its colouration. It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific.

Identification

Dick's Damsel is mostly brown with a black bar across the rear of the body. The pectoral fins are yellow, the caudal fin is white, and the operculum often has a purplish tinge.

Habitat

Dick's Damsel inhabits coral reefs, lagoons and areas of high wave action. This fish is often seen as a solitary individual associated with Acropora or Pocillopora coral species. It is found in depths from 1 m to 15 m.

Distribution

Dick's Damsel occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to French Polynesia. In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to southern Queensland.

Feeding and diet

This fish feeds on filamentous algae, benthic invertebrates and small fishes.

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1975. Damselfishes of the South Seas. TFH Publications. Pp. 237.
2. Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus. Pp. 271.
3. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 220.
4. Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 251.