Dischistodus perspicillatus
| Dischistodus perspicillatus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Dischistodus |
| Species: | D. perspicillatus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dischistodus perspicillatus (Cuvier, 1830)
| |
| Synonyms | |
Dischistodus perspicillatus, commonly known as the white damsel, is a species of fish native to the Andaman Sea and eastern Indian Ocean.[2]
Characteristics
The white damsel is mainly white or light colored, with some black spots. They have minimal sexual dimorphism. The species can reach a length of 18.0 cm (7.1 in), and they have a total of 13 dorsal spines. [3]
Behavior
The white damsel lives near coral reefs with algae or seagrass. They are diurnal.[3] The fish has a territorial nature that may lead to possible aggression.[4] Their territoriality may be due to protecting their algae from other herbivores against detrital production and accumulation.[5]
References
- ^ Allen, G. R.; Arceo, H.; Mutia, M. T. M.; Muyot, F. B.; Nañola, C. L.; Santos, M. (2022). "Dischistodus perspicillatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022 e.T188612A1902135. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T188612A1902135.en. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
- ^ Allen, G.R., 1991. Damselfishes of the world. Mergus Publishers, Melle, Germany. 271 p.
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Dischistodus perspicillatus". FishBase. February 2015 version.
- ^ "White Damsel". SaltwaterFish. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ Wilson, Shaun; Bellwood, David R. (1997). "Cryptic dietary components of territorial damselfishes" (PDF). Mar Ecol Prog Ser. 153: 299–310.
External links
- Photos of Dischistodus perspicillatus in the Sealife Collection
- Photos of the fish on iNaturalist