Animal Species:Australian Damsel, Pomacentrus australis (Allen & Robertson, 1973)

Adult Australian Damsels can be recognised by their colouration. The juveniles are vivid blue.

An Australian Damsel at South West Rocks

An Australian Damsel at South West Rocks
Dave Harasti © Dave Harasti

Identification

Adult Australian Damsels are blue to bluish-grey on the upper sides of the body and often paler below. The centre of each scale is blue. Juveniles are vivid blue.

Size range

The species grows to 10 cm in length.

Similar Species

The Australian Damsel looks similar to the Blue Damsel. The two species can be distinguished by the yellow anal and caudal fins of the Blue Damsel.

Distribution

The species occurs throughout the Indo-West Pacific.

In Australia it is known from the central coast and reefs of Queensland to the southern coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Pomacentrus australis

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Australian Damsel specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It occurs on shallow coral and rocky reefs as well as muddy areas.

Habitat type

Marine Habitat: coral reef, muddy bottom, rock reef

What does this mean?

Classification

Species:
australis
Genus:
Pomacentrus
Family:
Pomacentridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus. Pp.271.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Australian Damsel, Pomacentrus australis, Pomacentridae, purple, blue, green, transparent/translucent/clear, 'normal fish', < 10 cm, countershaded, coral reef, rocky reef, marine, adult,