DAMSELFISHES (Adults) - Pomacentridae
DAMSELFISHES (Juveniles) - Pomacentridae
General:
About 35 cm maximum length. Coloration variable with individuals and with locality for the same species. Many species are highly territorial herbivores, omnivores, or planktivores.
Damselfishes lay elliptical demersal eggs that are guarded by the males. Included are the anemonefishes (Amphiprioninae), which live in close association with large sea anemones.
One nostril on each side of head; double nostrils in some species of Chromis and Dascyllus. Body usually deep and compressed. Small mouth. Incomplete and interrupted lateral line. Anal fin with usually 2 spines, very rarely 3. No palatine teeth.
Etymology
Greek, poma, -atos = cover, operculum + Greek, kentron = sting