Regal Demoiselle, Neopomacentrus cyanomos (Bleeker, 1856)

Introduction

The species can be recognised by the large black spot on the operculum and the yellow region posteriorly on the dorsal fin. It has a widespread distribution from East Africa to southern Japan, Indo-Malaysian Archipelago, Melanesia and northern Australia.

Identification

The species can be recognised by the large black spot on the operculum and the yellow region posteriorly on the dorsal fin. The base of the caudal fin is usually dark brown, and the margin is dark.

Habitat

The species occurs in protected lagoons and harbours.

Distribution

It has a widespread distribution from East Africa to southern Japan, Indo-Malaysian Archipelago, Melanesia and northern Australia. In Australia it occurs along the north-western coast of Western Australia and from northern Queensland south to at least Sydney (as juveniles).

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

1. Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus Publishers. Pp. 271.
2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Edition 2. Crawford House Publishing. Pp. 557.