Animal Species:Regal Demoiselle, Neopomacentrus cyanomos (Bleeker, 1856)

The species can be recognised by the large black spot on the operculum and the yellow region posteriorly on the dorsal fin. It has a widespread distribution from East Africa to southern Japan, Indo-Malaysian Archipelago, Melanesia and northern Australia.

Alternative Name/s

Regal Damsel, Violet Damselfish, Yellow-tailed Damselfish

Identification

The species can be recognised by the large black spot on the operculum and the yellow region posteriorly on the dorsal fin. The base of the caudal fin is usually dark brown, and the margin is dark.

Size range

The species grows to 10 cm in length.

Distribution

It has a widespread distribution from East Africa to southern Japan, Indo-Malaysian Archipelago, Melanesia and northern Australia. In Australia it occurs along the north-western coast of Western Australia and from northern Queensland south to at least Sydney (as juveniles).

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.

Neopomacentrus cyanomos

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Regal Demoiselle specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The species occurs in protected lagoons and harbours.

Classification

Species:
cyanomos
Genus:
Neopomacentrus
Family:
Pomacentridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus Publishers. Pp. 271.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Edition 2. Crawford House Publishing. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Regal Demoiselle, Neopomacentrus cyanomos, Pomacentridae, 10 cm - 30 cm, marine, adult,