Starck’s Demoiselle, scientifically known as Chrysiptera starcki, is a type of damselfish belonging to the Pomacentridae family.
It lives in the western Pacific Ocean, from places like the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan to Australia, New Caledonia, and Tonga.
This fish was first described in 1973 as Abudefduf starcki.
Adult Starck’s Demoiselles live around rocks and crevices often found in sandy channels on outer reef slopes.
They are found deeper in the outer reef (20 to 60 meters deep). Stark’s Demoiselles lay eggs that stick to surfaces and have unique breeding pairs.
Males protect and provide oxygen to the eggs. These fish are active during daytime hours and safe for coral reefs.
Starck’s Demoiselle Interesting Facts
- Starck’s Demoiselle inhabits the Western Pacific Ocean, including areas like the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Australia, and New Caledonia.
- This fish prefers coral reef environments at depths of 20 to 60 meters and doesn’t migrate.
- Grows up to 2.8 inches (7.0 centimeters) in length with unique dorsal and anal spine characteristics.
- During breeding, Starck’s Demoiselles form distinct pairs; males protect their demersal eggs by fanning them for oxygen.
Starck’s Demoiselle Habitat
Starck’s Demoiselle is found in the Western Pacific Ocean.
Its habitat range stretches from the Ryukyu Islands to Taiwan and from Queensland, Australia to New Caledonia. It has also been spotted in Tonga recently.
This fish lives in marine environments near coral reefs. It doesn’t migrate and is found at depths of 20 to 60 meters (about 65 to 197 feet).
Starck’s Demoiselle prefers warm, tropical waters with latitudes between 35°N to 25°S.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Starck’s Demoiselle Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.8 inches (7.0 centimeters)
Starck’s Demoiselle grows up to 2.8 inches (7.0 centimeters) long. This fish has 13 dorsal spines on its back and 14 to 15 soft rays extending from these spines.
It also has two anal spines and 15 to 17 soft rays around its anal region.
Starck’s Demoiselle Reproduction
Starck’s Demoiselle lays eggs (oviparous). During breeding, it forms distinct pairs.
The eggs stick to surfaces underwater (demersal) and don’t float freely.
Male Starck’s Demoiselle protects and provide air for the eggs by fanning them, which helps in their development.
Starck’s Demoiselle Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Chrysiptera |
| Scientific Name: | Chrysiptera starcki |
| Also Known As: | Starck’s Demoiselle |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |