Whitetail dascyllus | |
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Dascyllus aruanus | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Perciformes |
Family: | Pomacentridae |
Genus: | Dascyllus |
Species: | D. aruanus |
Binomial name | |
Dascyllus aruanus (Linnaeus, 1758) |
Dascyllus aruanus, known commonly as the Whitetail dascyllus or Humbug damselfish among other vernacular names, is a species of marine fish in the family Pomacentridae.
Whitetail dascyllus is up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length but its common size is 6 centimetres (2.4 in) and is white with three black vertical bars.
Associated with coral reefs, most usually in groups above Acropora coral heads. Males may be aggressive against other fish while they tend eggs.
Whitetail dascyllus is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, Red Sea included.
They are called aquarium 'Starter fish' as they are quite tolerant of variable conditions and aid in conditioning the tank environment for less hardy fish. These fish have been reared in captivity. They can be territorial with other fish.
Dascyllus aruanus, Red Sea
Dascyllus aruanus above acropora coral, where they will hide if threatened
Dascyllus aruanus, Seychelles