Microspathodon dorsalis (Gill, 1862)
Giant damselfish
Microspathodon dorsalis
photo by Fenner, R.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Microspathodontinae
Max. size:  31 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 20 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 5 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: central Gulf of California to Malpelo Island (Colombia), including the Revillagigedo, Cocos and the Galapagos islands (Ref. 9334).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-14
Biology:  Adults inhabit rocky reefs, below the surf zone (Ref. 9334). Feed mainly on low-profile, attached algae (Ref. 28023). Defend both feeding and reproductive territories by driving off other fishes and divers who come too close (Ref. 28023). 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).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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