Ambon damsel
📖 Overview
An ubiquitous species found in lagoons, coastal reefs, passages and outer reef slopes. Inhabits sandy areas around coral or rock outcrops or other protective shelter. Adults are usually in small groups . Feed primarily on algae, but also takes zooplankton. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs . Have been reared in captivity (Ref. 35404.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 14 - 16. : short and / or deep; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ambon damsel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; oceanodromous ; depth range 2 - 40 m . Tropical; 30°N - 25°S north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Scott Reef (eastern Indian Ocean) and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
algae, but also takes zooplankton
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ambon damsel is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 117 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ambon damsel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Amboina Damselfish · Amboina Demoiselle · Ambon Damsel · Ambon Damselfish · Pallid Damsel-fish · Pallid Damselfish |
| 🏳️Catalan | Damisel·la de Ambon |
| 🌍CES | sapín tečkovaný |
| 🌍FIJ | Guru |
| 🇫🇷French | Demoiselle d'Ambon |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Castagnola di Ambon · Castagnola due occhi · Damigella di Ambon · Damigella due occhi |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Nise-nettai-suzumedai · Nisenettaisuzumedai · ニセネッタイスズメダイ |
| 🌍MAH | Ikiribit |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Donzela-de-Ambon |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Damita de Ambon |
| 🌍TGL | Palata |
| 🌍THA | ปลาสลิดหินอัมบน · ปลาสลิดหินเหลืองแต้มดำ |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 厚殼仔 · 安邦雀鯛 · 金紺仔 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomacentrus amboiensis | Bleeker | 1868 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus dimidiatus | Bleeker | 1877 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Ambon damsel.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Ambon damsel ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.