Neopomacentrus fallax (Peters, 1855)
Violet damsel
photo by SFSA

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-12. Dusky dark grey with 3 violet spots above pectoral fins; spots also above eye, on opercle and preopercle; cheek and snout with violet sheen; dark bar across pectoral base; edge of spinous dorsal with a light blue submarginal line (Ref. 4391). Juveniles bluish with a blue line from snout to eye (Ref. 4391).
Biology:  Adults occur in shallow protected areas (Ref. 4391). 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: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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