Australian Damsel, Pomacentrus australis (Allen & Robertson, 1973)

Scientific name: Pomacentrus australis
Similar species:
The Australian Damsel looks similar to the Blue Damsel. The two species can be distinguished by the yellow anal and caudal fins of the Blue Damsel.
Australian Damsel, Pomacentrus australis Click to enlarge image
An Australian Damsel at a depth of 2m, Little Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, 14 April 2016. Image: Jack Hannan
© Jack Hannan

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pomacentrus
    Species
    australis
    Family
    Pomacentridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 10 cm in length.
  • Habitats
    coral reef, muddy bottom, rock reef

Introduction

Adult Australian Damsels can be recognised by their colouration. The juveniles are vivid blue.

Identification

Adult Australian Damsels are blue to bluish-grey on the upper sides of the body and often paler below. The centre of each scale is blue. Juveniles are vivid blue.

Habitat

It occurs on shallow coral and rocky reefs as well as muddy areas.

Australian Damsel
Australian Damsel, Pomacentrus australis
Australian Damsel, Pomacentrus australis

Distribution

The species occurs throughout the Indo-West Pacific.

In Australia it is known from the central coast and reefs of Queensland to the southern coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus. Pp.271.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.