Cocoa damselfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit inshore and offshore coral reefs. They feed mainly on benthic algae but also on sponges, ascidians and anemones while juveniles feed on invertebrates like harpacticoid copepods and nemerteans . Often solitary . Juveniles are aggressively territorial . Aggressive when breeding . 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: 12 - 15. Caudal fin slightly forked, with rounded lobes. Dark brown or blue above, shading to yellow below. Narrow, dark, obliquely vertical lines on side. Snout and forehead have bright blue lines. Small dark spot in pectoral axil, another on top of caudal peduncle .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Cocoa damselfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Adults feed mainly on benthic algae but also on sponges, ascidiacea and anemones, while juveniles feed on invertebrates such as harpacticoid copepods and nemerteans.
🥚 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 - 30 m . Tropical; 6°S - 30°S, 50°W - 31°W
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae but also on sponges, ascidians and anemones while juveniles feed on invertebrates like
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Cocoa 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 | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 110 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Cocoa damselfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Brazilian Cocoa Damselfish · Cocoa Damselfish · Yellow Demoiselle |
| 🏳️Catalan | Damisel·la cacau |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Tofarvet jomfrufisk |
| 🇫🇷French | Demoiselle cacao |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Donzela-cacau · Donzela-cacau-do-sul · Donzelinha-amarela · saberê-amarelo |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Chopa Cacao · Chopita brasileña · Leopoldito Variable · chopita cacao · jaqueta castaña |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eupomacentrus chrysus | Bean | 1906 | Synonym |
| Eupomacentrus variabilis | Castelnau | 1855 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus chrysus | Bean | 1906 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus flaviventer | Troschel | 1865 | Synonym |
| Pomacentrus variabilis | Castelnau | 1855 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 123 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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