Animal Species:Neon Damsel, Pomacentrus coelestis Jordan & Starks, 1901

Alternative Name/s

Blue Damsel

Identification

The Neon Damsel has a long-based spiny dorsal fin, followed by a high, short-based soft-rayed portion. It has a blue body and a bright yellow tail. The dorsal and anal fins contain variable amounts of yellow. Juvenile and adult fish are similarly coloured.

Size range

The species grows to 10 cm in length but is commonly seen to 8.5 cm.

Distribution

The Neon Damsel is a widespread tropical species that occurs in marine waters throughout the western and central Pacific. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, north throughout tropical waters and south to Sydney.

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.

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Neon Damsel specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

In the tropics it lives in zones of rubble and open substrate on coral reef margins. In more temperate waters it is found on rocky reefs.

Classification

Species:

coelestis

Genus:

Pomacentrus

Family:

Pomacentridae

Order:

Perciformes

Class:

Actinopterygii

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

References

1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 14 December 2012

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Neon Damsel, Pomacentrus coelestis, Pomacentridae, blue, yellow, 'normal fish', < 10 cm, no pattern, coral reef, rocky reef, marine, adult, large eyes,