Scaly damsel (Pomacentrus lepidogenys)

Latin name

Pomacentrus lepidogenys

Other name

Pomacentrus lepidogenys

Identification

Scaly damselfish have a rounded, elongated body shape that is compressed at the sides. They have one nostril on each side and small sized ridged scales. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15.

Fish colouring

Blue-gray fish with yellow second dorsal and tail fins. Males are often a shade or two darker and may be covered with white spots during the mating season.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-West Pacific: including the Andaman Sea (Phuket), the Indo-Malay Archipelago, North Korea, and the islands of Melanesia and Tonga; occurs as far north as the Ryukyu Islands. In Japan.

Habitat

Marine tropical species. Depth from 1 to 12 meters. Adults inhabit lagoons, passages and outer slopes of reefs. 

Size

The maximum length of this species is 9 cm.

Behavior

Occurs singly or in small groups. Diurnal. Does not migrate. 

Food and feeding habits

Scaly damselfish feed on zooplankton in the water column near the bottom. 

Reproduction

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

Fishing

No commercial value and of no interest to fishermen.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.