Latin name

Neopomacentrus bankieri

Other name

Halfmoon damsel

Identification

Chinese demoiselle are characterised by ctenoid scales, weak teeth and only one row of gill rakers on the fourth gill arch (the posterior row is underdeveloped). 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12.

Fish colouring

Fish living from Papua New Guinea to eastern Queensland have a greyish body and a yellow tail with black spots. Fish living in the South China Sea have the same body colour except for a small patch just behind the gills.

Distribution

Widespread in the western Pacific: two distinct populations exist, but further research may indicate a continuous distribution. The first population inhabits the South China Sea and the Java Sea. The second population is known from eastern Queensland and around Daru Island off southern Papua New Guinea.

Habitat

A tropical marine species. Inhabits reefs. Depth from 3 to 12 metres.

Size

The maximum length of these fish is 8 centimetres.

Behavior

Diurnal species. Adults inhabit inshore reefs around corals or rock outcrops on soft bottoms. Rarely seen solitary, but may occur in large groups of over 100 individuals. Non-migratory. 

Food and feeding habits

Chinese demoiselle feed mainly on zooplankton (copepods, mussels and shrimp larvae), fish eggs and algae.

Reproduction

Egg-laying, mating during reproduction. Eggs are at the bottom and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs.Fishing

Halichoeres trispilus is of no commercial interest in fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.