Animal Species:Reticulated Dascyllus, Dascyllus reticulatus (Richardson, 1846)

The Reticulated Dascyllus has a white or tan body with a dark bar crossing the body at the pectoral fin base. There is a second, less distinct bar at the rear of the body. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are dark.

Identification

The Reticulated Dascyllus has a white or tan body with a dark bar crossing the body at the pectoral fin base. There is a second, less distinct bar at the rear of the body. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are dark.

Size range

The species grows to 9 cm in length.

Distribution

The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands, throughout South-east Asia and Micronesia, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Pitcairn Islands.

In Australia it is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia and the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland south to northern New South Wales and Lord Howe Island.

Habitat

The Reticulated Dascyllus inhabits seaward reefs and lagoons, often associated with branching corals, particularly Pocillopora eydouxi. It is usually seen in small schools, and can be one of the most common damselfishes on coral reefs.

It is found in depths from 1 m to 50 m.

Feeding and Diet

The species feeds primarily on algae.

Mating and reproduction

When mating, the male will clear a section of coral or rock so that the female can attach her eggs.

Classification

Species:
reticulatus
Genus:
Dascyllus
Family:
Pomacentridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1975. Damselfishes of the South Seas. TFH Publications. Pp. 237.
  2. Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus. Pp. 271.
  3. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 220.
  4. Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 251.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Reticulated Dascyllus, Dascyllus reticulatus, Pomacentridae,