Pomacentrus simsiang Bleeker, 1856
Blueback damsel
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Indonesia (Mentawai Islands), Philippines, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, north to the Philippines, Taiwan, and Ryukyu Islands. Reported from New Caledonia (Ref. 26587).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-15. Description: Juveniles bright lemon yellow with blue stripes over the head and a blue-edged ocellus on the soft dorsal fin (Ref. 48636). Adult overall yellow, head and back bluish grey, cheek and operculum spots pale, caudal peduncle spot white. Body depth 2.0-2.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults occur singly or in small aggregations at slightly turbid areas of lagoon and coastal reefs. Feed mainly on benthic algae (Ref. 7247). 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. 52881).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 October 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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