Neon Damsel, Pomacentrus coelestis Jordan & Starks, 1901
Blue Damsel
Click to enlarge image
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Pomacentrus
- Species
- coelestis
- Family
- Pomacentridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 10 cm in length but is commonly seen to 8.5 cm.
Introduction
The Neon Damsel is aptly named. In bright sunlight it can appear iridescent.
Identification
The Neon Damsel has a long-based spiny dorsal fin, followed by a high, short-based soft-rayed portion. It has a blue body and a bright yellow tail. The dorsal and anal fins contain variable amounts of yellow. Juvenile and adult fish are similarly coloured.
Habitat
In the tropics it lives in zones of rubble and open substrate on coral reef margins. In more temperate waters it is found on rocky reefs.
Distribution
The Neon Damsel is a widespread tropical species that occurs in marine waters throughout the western and central Pacific. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, north throughout tropical waters and south to Sydney.
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.
References
- 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.
