Neoglyphidodon melas, also known as the bowtie damselfish, black damsel, bluefin or royal damsel, is a species of damselfish found in the Indo-West Pacific.[1] It grows to a size of 18 cm (7.1 in) in length.
| Neoglyphidodon melas | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Neoglyphidodon |
| Species: | N. melas
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| Binomial name | |
| Neoglyphidodon melas (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1830)
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| Synonyms | |
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List
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Distribution and habitat
editThe black damselfish is found throughout the Indo-Pacific in coral reefs and lagoons.[1] In the Indian Ocean, they are found around the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, eastern Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, the Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Andaman Sea, Indonesia, and western Australia.[1] In the Pacific Ocean, they are found in areas around Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.[1] they are found in depths of 1 to 36 metres (3.3 to 118.1 ft) under sea level.[2]
Description
editThe adults of this species can grow up to 18 cm (7.1 in) in length.[1] The coloration of the adults are blueish black.[2] Juveniles are mostly pale blue with a yellow dorsal surface. They have blue pelvic and anal fins with black interior rays.[2]
Ecology
editFish of this species are typically encountered individually or in pairs.[1] Juveniles are encountered around Acropora corals. Adults are found around clams of the genus Tridacna and sometimes feed on their waste.
Diet
editNeoglyphidodon melas is an omnivorous species of damselfish which feeds on a variety of things. Younger juveniles feed solely on plankton.[3] Older juveniles of this species add soft corals to their diet.[3] Young adults feed on Tridacna clam feces, with feces consumption increasing with age and size.[3]
Behavior
editAdults are territorial towards one another and will defend territorial borders. Large adults are observed to be aggressive to smaller individuals.[3]
Breeding
editAdults pair up when they are breeding.[1] The eggs are laid in the substrate. Once the eggs are laid, the male guards and aerates the eggs until they hatch.[1]
References
edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Neoglyphidodon melas". FishBase. December 2008 version.
- ^ a b c Dianne J. Bray. "Black Damsel, Neoglyphidodon melas (Cuvier 1830), Retrieved on 16 November 2014.
- ^ a b c d Chan, Sai-Wing. "Ontogenetic Changes in Feeding Ecology and Habitat of the Damselfish Neoglyphidodon melas at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef", 1 November 2007. Retrieved on 15 November 2014.
External links
edit- Photos of Neoglyphidodon melas on Sealife Collection