Damselfish - Pomacentridae | Underwater Asia

Damselfish - Pomacentridae

Everybody has heard of Nemo, but not many know that this species is a member of the Damselfish family - a large family that includes many of the smaller fish that make up the numbers on Asia's reefs.

Damselfish are one of the most successful tropical fish families. As well as Anemonefish, the family also includes Sergeant Majors, Humbugs, Fork-tailed Chromis and many other commonly encountered species.

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Did You Know?

Anemonefish are also known as clownfish, and are one of the most well known tropical reef fish thanks to the movie Finding Nemo!

Family variety

A large family with over 300 species, most Damselfish are small have a broadly similar body shape. There is lots of variety in their patterns and markings, with yellow, black, white and blue being the most common colours.

Behaviour

Damselfish often live in groups on the reef, either drifting above the water column feeding on passing plankton, or on the reef itself feeding on algae growing on the coral.

Despite their small size they can be very aggressive when protecting feeding territory or their nests. They are not scared of attacking much larger fish or even unsuspecting divers.

Reproduction

Damselfish lay eggs in patches on the reef which are then protected by the breeding couple until they hatch. In some areas where species breed in unison, the reef can turn purple from the patches of purple eggs everywhere.

Diet

Damselfish can be either plankton feeding, filtering passing microscopic life from the water column, or feed on the the reef itself, nibbling on the layer of algae that coats the reef.

Defences

Damselfish are generally shy, quickly retreating to the safety of the reef if they feel threatened. Some species however defend their feeding territory with fierce aggression. Anemonefish use their hostís poisonous tentacles to deter would be predators. The fish themselves are coated in special mucus that protects them against the anemoneís deadly sting.

FACTFILE

SPECIES: >300

SIZE RANGE: 5-19 cm

DISTRIBUTION:

Found in all tropical and some temperate waters worldwide.

HABITAT:

Reef dwelling. Anemonefish live their whole lives within the protection of their host anemone.

THREATS:

Destruction of habitat.

Identification tips

Damselfish are generally small fish, growing to no more than 20cm long
Single continuous dorsal fin.
Forked, lunate or rounded tails, depending on species.
Often large, very visible scales in relation to body size..
Most common colourations within this large family are black, white, yellow and blue.
Characterised by large prominent mouths.
Thin flattened bodies with a round or oval side view.

Popular species

Look out for these species of damselfish on your next dive.

Western Clownfish

(Amphiprion ocellaris)

Made famous as the star of 'Finding Nemo', these little orange and white fish spend their time dancing among the tentacles of their host anemone.

Sergeant Major

(Abudefduf vaigiensis)

Often found in large numbers on reefs throughout the region, they school in open shallow water well above the reef, filtering the water for tasty plankton.

Clark's Anemonefish

(Amphiprion clarkii)

One of the larger anemonefish species, can be very aggressive for their size. They show little fear of larger fish or divers and will protect their territory courageously.

Where to find

Phuket & Phi Phi Islands

Diving in Phuket has always been hugely popular due to its ease of access and choice of dive centres. It is one of Thailand's top tourist spots.

Phi Phi Island is equally popular. Actually two main islands - Don and Lae - they are truly spectacular with limestone cliffs rising into the sky.

Read more about Phuket & Phi Phi Islands

Perhentian Islands

The Perhentians are perfect for learning to scuba dive

Off the north-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, not too far south of the Thai border, the beautiful Perhentian Islands rise vertically out of the sparkling blue sea, creating one of Malaysia's most iconic diving destinations & one of the most popular spots in Malaysia to learn to dive.

Read more about Perhentian Islands

Wakatobi

The islands that make up the Wakatobi chain have some of the world’s best diving with atolls, walls, fringing reefs, sea mounts & a barrier reef contributing to the almost limitless diving opportunities.

The national park comprises of four main islands, Wangi Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea & Binongki (thus the name WaKaToBi) the reach out from the south-eastern tip of Sulawesi.

Read more about Wakatobi

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