| Family: |
Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae |
| Max. size: |
7.98 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 9 - 18 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: known only from Rodrigues Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-16. Diagnosis: Dorsal rays usually XIV, 13 or 14 (one specimen with XIII, 14); anal rays usually II, 15 (one specimen with II, 12 and another with II, 16); pectoral rays usually 18 (rarely 17 or 19); tubed lateral line scales 17 or 18; gill rakers 7-8 + 12-14 (total 19-21); body depth 1.9-2.0 in SL; in life, color overall brown with darker scale margins and yellowish hue ventrally between pectoral and pelvic fin bases; dorsal fin brown with broad yellow margin; anal and caudal fins brown; pelvic fins yellow with dark brown filamentous tips; iris golden yellow. |
| Biology: |
Pomacentrus rodriguesensis is currently known only from Rodrigues. It is relatively common in the lagoon at depths between 9-18 m on reefs that contain mainly Acropora corals that are affected by silt deposition. Their territorial behaviour suggests that, although they may not dramatically modify the benthic reef environment, they may promote the biomass of their preferred food algae. Life history characteristics for the family specify that this group is oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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