Longfin damselfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit coral and rocky reefs of sheltered lagoons and inshore areas. Territorial and pugnacious . 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): 15 - 16; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13. Anal fin long and pointed, reaching well beyond base of tail . Adults dark gray-brown, the edges of the scales blackish; a wash of yellowish often present dorsally on head, nape, and on back below spinous portion of dorsal fin; a small black spot at upper base of pectoral fins; juveniles bright yellow with two bright blue lines dorsally on head, extending to beneath middle of dorsal fin where they break into spots; a large blue-edged black spot basally on dorsal fin centered on last spine .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Longfin damselfish 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; non-migratory; depth range 2 - 45 m , usually 2 - 5 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Longfin 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 | 17.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 108 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Longfin 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eupomacentrus diencaeus | Jordan & Rutter | 1897 | Synonym |
| Eupomacentrus mellis | Emery & Burgess | 1974 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus diencaeus | Jordan & Rutter | 1897 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus mellis | Emery & Burgess | 1974 | Synonym |
| Stegastes mellis | Emery & Burgess | 1974 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Longfin damselfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 27 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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