Pomacentrus chrysurus Cuvier, 1830
Whitetail damsel
Pomacentrus chrysurus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Solomon Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-16. Description: Variable in color, juveniles bright orange over the back they may persist in some individuals in adults. Tail in adults white, a feature less prominent in young (Ref. 48636). Body depth 1.9-2.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults inhabit sandy areas of lagoons and inshore reefs around rock or coral outcrops. Feed primarily on algae (Ref. 7247). 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: 23 September 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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