Latin name

Amblyglyphidodon curacao

Other name

Staghorn damselfish, clouded damselfis, bare-snouted sergeant major.

Identification

Staghorn damselfish have an oval, laterally compressed body.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 15.

Fish colouring

These fish have white pelvic fins and three broad vertical stripes that are often blurred or spotted. The body is silvery, often with a coppery tinge. Juveniles are pale silver.

Distribution

Widespread in tropical waters of the western Pacific: from the Rowley Shoals (eastern Indian Ocean) and Malaysia to Samoa and Tonga, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef. 

Habitat

Tropical marine species associated with reefs. Depth range 1 to 40 m), usually 1 to 15 m.

Size

This species is small in size, with a maximum length of up to 11 centimeters.

Behavior

Adults inhabit lagoons, coastal backwaters, reef passages and outer reefs. Juveniles are often found among the soft corals Sarcophyton and Sinularia. Do not migrate.

Food and feeding habits

Congregations of feeding individuals are often observed over thickets of Acropora horn coral. Staghorn damselfish feed on zooplankton and filamentous algae. The stomach contents of one specimen contained crab and shrimp larvae, fish eggs and algae. 

Reproduction

They lay eggs and mate during breeding. Dead coral branches are used as nests. Eggs are at the bottom and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs.

Fishing

Not of interest to anglers. Fished for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.