Pomacentrus vaiuli Jordan & Seale, 1906
Ocellate damselfish
Pomacentrus vaiuli
photo by Cook, D.C.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  10 cm FL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 45 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Moluccas to Samoa, north to the Izu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals in the eastern Indian Ocean and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-16. Description: The background color of this species varies from light tan to deep blue or dark brownish purple (Ref. 1602). Dorsal yellow-orange zone, dorsal-fin with ocellus on posterior. Body depth 1.9-2.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Comprises several color forms, or geographical variations (Ref. 48636). Adults are found in mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 40 m (Ref. 1602). Solitary (Ref. 37816). Feed on filamentous algae and small invertebrates (Ref. 1602). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). Diurnal species (Ref. 54980; 113699). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 October 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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