Dusky damselfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit rocky shores exposed to wave action. Often in tide pools. Feed primarily on algae and detritus. Territorial and pugnacious. Generally common . Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs . Taken incidentally in traps and small-meshed beach nets .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 17; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 15. Juveniles are reddish orange above, with small bright blue spots on forehead and dark spots at upper pectoral fin base, dorsal fin, and caudal peduncle; colors disappear as fish grows larger . Adults dark gray to blackish with vertical black lines on body; a black spot, sometimes diffuse, at upper base of pectoral fins which are pale; other fins dark .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dusky damselfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Adults feed on algae, plants, and detritus. S. adustus exhibits different feeding behaviors between those that live in coral rubble and patch reef habitats.
🥚 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; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 3 m . Tropical; 32°N - 8°N, 98°W - 59°W Central Atlantic: Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and along the coast of central America to Panama and Venezuela.
🌿 Ecology
algae and detritus
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dusky damselfish 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 | 18.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 85 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dusky damselfish 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 | Dusky damselfish · Scarlet-backed Demoiselle |
| 🏳️Catalan | Damisel·la negra |
| 🇩🇪German | Dunkler Riffbarsch |
| 🇫🇷French | Demoiselle brune |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Donzela-dorso-de-mel |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | chopita prieta · jaqueta prieta · Leopoldito Lucio |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eupomacentrus rubridorsalis | Beebe & Hollister | 1933 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus adustus | Troschel | 1865 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus dorsopunicans | Poey | 1868 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus obscuratus | Poey | 1876 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus rubridorsalis | Beebe & Hollister | 1933 | Synonym |
| Stegastes dorsopunicans | Poey | 1868 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Dusky damselfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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