Neon Damsel, Pomacentrus coelestis Jordan & Starks, 1901

Scientific name: Pomacentrus coelestis
Alternative name/s:
Blue Damsel
Neon Damsel, Pomacentrus coelestis Click to enlarge image
A Neon Damsel, Pomacentrus coelestis, at a depth of 8 m, Susan's Reef, Kimbe Bay, New Britain, Papua New Guinea, 20 October 2008. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pomacentrus
    Species
    coelestis
    Family
    Pomacentridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 10 cm in length but is commonly seen to 8.5 cm.

Introduction

The Neon Damsel is aptly named. In bright sunlight it can appear iridescent.

Identification

The Neon Damsel has a long-based spiny dorsal fin, followed by a high, short-based soft-rayed portion. It has a blue body and a bright yellow tail. The dorsal and anal fins contain variable amounts of yellow. Juvenile and adult fish are similarly coloured.

Habitat

In the tropics it lives in zones of rubble and open substrate on coral reef margins. In more temperate waters it is found on rocky reefs.

Distribution

The Neon Damsel is a widespread tropical species that occurs in marine waters throughout the western and central Pacific. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, north throughout tropical waters and south to Sydney.

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. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.