Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actynopterygii
Order: Bleniiformes
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Dascyllus
Species: D. melanurus
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actynopterygii
Order: Bleniiformes
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Dascyllus
Species: D. melanurus
Habitat & Distribution : Reef-associated, Indo-Pacific Ocean
Diet : Algae and plankton
Size :
Length : 8 - 10 cm
Weight : < 10 g
Lifespan : 5 - 10 years
Description
A small fish with four alternating black and white stripes, hence why it's also known as the four stripe damselfish. Most of its tail is black, setting it apart from the similar species, the whitetail Dascyllus (D. aruanus), with a white tail.
Behavior
Like other damselfish, the blacktail damsel is aggressive and territorial. It is often found associating with Acropora corals.
Reproduction
The males would entice females into their territories to mate, and the eggs are laid on a hard surface, which would then hatch in 3-5 days
Communication & Perception
They communicate through a combination of visual cues, behavioral signals, and acoustics.
Predator
Groupers, barracuda, jacks, snappers, and other larger predatory fishes.
Conservation Status :
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (2021)
Fun Fact
The blacktail damselfish is capable of changing their sex from female to male, making them protogynous hermaphrodites!