Miller's damselfish (Pomacentrus milleri)

Latin name

Pomacentrus milleri 

Other name

Pomacentrus milleri 

Identification

Pomacentrus: Greek, poma, -atos = cover, operculum + Greek, kentron = sting.

Miller's damselfish have an elongated body shape that is compressed at the sides. They have a broken lateral line and a nostril on each side. Flakes are of medium size. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14.

Fish colouring

The body of the Miller's damselfish has vivid yellow and blue tones.

Distribution

Widespread in the eastern Indian Ocean: Northern Australia, from Rottnest Island (near Perth) to Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.

Habitat

Tropical marine, reef associated species. Habitat depth from 1 to 6 m.

Size

Males of this species reach a maximum length of 7.5 cm.

Behavior

A diurnal species. Adults live in coastal reef areas, usually on dead coral, and do not migrate.

Food and feeding habits

Miller's damselfish feed on algae, plankton and small bottom-dwelling crustaceans. 

Reproduction

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

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.