Stegastes limbatus (Cuvier, 1830)
Ebony gregory
Stegastes limbatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Microspathodontinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 2 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: known only from Madagascar, Reunion, and Mauritius.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Body color is blue-black with black scale outlines. The scales on the nape and the side of the head are frequently blue. The lips are whitish. There is a small black spot near lateral line origin. A broad white bar is sometimes present across the middle of the sides (possibly associated with courtship behavior).
Biology:  Adults are found in the surge zone of inshore boulder areas (Ref. 9710). 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
Country info:  Outside distributional range, occurrence needs further confirmation.


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