Golden Damselfish is a type of marine fish that belongs to the damselfish and clownfish family. Its scientific name is Amblyglyphidodon aureus.
This fish is found in the central Indo-Pacific region. Adults live in steep outer reefs, sometimes deep lagoons or channel walls.
They like areas with strong currents and plenty of gorgonian and long sea-whip corals. These are where they lay and protect their eggs.
Younger fish usually hang out in small groups around large sea fans or black corals. Their main food source is zooplankton.
Golden Damselfish are safe for coral reefs.
Golden Damselfish Interesting Facts
- Golden Damselfish lives in the central Indo-Pacific region and thrives in tropical waters near reefs.
- Adults prefer areas with strong currents and plenty of coral, where they lay and protect their eggs.
- Younger fish primarily eat zooplankton and often gather around large sea fans or black corals.
- During the breeding season, these fish form pairs and lay eggs on underwater surfaces. Males guard them while circulating water for oxygenation.
Golden Damselfish Habitat
Golden Damselfish is found in the Western Pacific Ocean. Its habitat ranges from the Andaman Sea and Christmas Island to Fiji, the Ryukyu Islands, Rowly Shoals, and New Caledonia. It has also been seen in Tonga.
This fish lives in marine environments near reefs and doesn’t migrate.
It’s found at depths of 3 to 45 meters (about 10 to 148 feet), but it’s usually found at 12 to 45 meters (39 to 148 feet).
Golden Damselfish thrives in tropical waters with temperatures between 30°N to 24°S latitude and 90°E to 174°W longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Golden Damselfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters)
Golden Damselfish grows up to 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters) long. It has 13 dorsal spines, 12 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 14 to 15 anal soft rays.
Its head and body are golden yellow with small blue spots on the face, and its fins are also yellow.
The body depth is about 1.5 to 1.7 times smaller than its length. There are no scales under the eye area.
Golden Damselfish Reproduction
Golden Damselfish reproduce by laying eggs (oviparous) and form pairs during the breeding season.
The eggs stick to underwater surfaces like dead branches of gorgonian corals. Male fish guard and help circulate air around the eggs.
Golden Damselfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Amblyglyphidodon |
| Scientific Name: | Amblyglyphidodon aureus |
| Also Known As: | Golden Damselfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |