Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)

 

The Pomacentridae comprise 4 subfamilies, ca. 31 genera and 385 species of the damselfish, clownfish, sergeants, etc. They inhabit tropical and subtropical seas, although few species occur in brackish estuaries and freshwater. The family is most diverse in the Indo-West Pacific region. Most species live in shallows, at depths 1-15 m; some found below 100 m. Body orbiculate to elongated, laterally compressed; small mouth; incomplete or interrupted lateral line; up to 35 cm in length. Many species are brightly colored (yellow, red, orange, and blue), but others drab brown or black; juveniles often coloured differently than adults. Many species are territorial and defend their nest or shelter from other fishes; eggs are guarded by males until hatching. Pomacentrids feed on algae, plankton, and small bottom-dwelling invertebrates including crustaceans.

 

		Sergeant-major (Abudefduf saxatilis)
		Brown Chromis (Chromis multilineata)
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