Latin name

Chrysiptera starcki

Other name

Chrysiptera starcki

Identification

The species name is in honor of marine biologist Walter A. Starck II, who pointed out the species to Gerald R. Allen while diving with him at Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

Starck's Demoiselle has an oval body with flattened sides and a pointed snout.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 15 - 17.

Fish colouring

The main body color of these fish is bright blue. The back and dorsal fins are yellow. The tail and lower part of the snout are also yellow. However, the coloration can vary slightly depending on the habitat. For example, fish from the northern areas of the western Pacific Ocean have a yellow caudal fin and caudal peduncle. Fish from the southern western Pacific have a blue caudal fin.

Distribution

Widespread in the western Pacific: from the Ryukyu Islands to Taiwan and from Queensland, Australia to New Caledonia. Recently reported from Tonga.

Habitat

A marine tropical species. Lives around reefs, often in deep water. They swim in crevices at depths of up to 60 meters. 

Size

Starck's demoiselle grows to a maximum length of 7 cm.

Behavior

Diurnal species. Adults inhabit rocky ledges and crevices, often in sandy channels on the slopes of outer reefs. To breed, Starck's demoiselle gather in pairs, with the male guarding and caring for the eggs. 

Food and feeding habits

In the wild, these fish feed on plankton (both zooplankton and phytoplankton).

Reproduction

During breeding, the males swim back and forth, flashing their coloration quickly to attract females. The males prepare a rocky area for the female to lay her eggs. The male then fertilizes them and aggressively defends them against intruders.

Fishing

Starck's demoiselle are not commercially important in the fishery.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. This species is easy to keep in captivity and is a popular fish for aquarium breeding.