Hawaiian Dascyllus, also known as the Hawaiian Domino, Domino Damselfish, or White-spotted Damsel, is a medium-sized marine fish.
It lives in the Eastern Central Pacific Ocean. This fish is found in shallow waters near coral and rocky areas.
Young Hawaiian Dascyllus likes to stay close to Pocillopora coral branches for protection.
Sometimes, it also lives with Marcanthia cookei anemones. This fish swims near the ocean floor (benthopelagic).
Hawaiian Dascyllus feeds on small animals (zooplankton), bottom-dwelling creatures (benthic invertebrates), and algae.
This species can be successfully raised in captivity and is safe for coral reefs.
Hawaiian Dascyllus Interesting Facts
- Hawaiian Dascyllus, a marine fish, is found in the Eastern Central Pacific Ocean near shallow coral and rocky areas.
- Young fish take shelter near Pocillopora coral branches and Marcanthia cookei anemones for protection.
- Breeding occurs between May to August; males guard and oxygenate the adhesive eggs laid underwater.
- Initially believed to change gender, research shows they have features of both genders without being functional hermaphrodites.
Hawaiian Dascyllus Habitat
Hawaiian Dascyllus is found in the eastern central Pacific, specifically around the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island.
It lives in marine environments close to reefs and doesn’t migrate.
This tropical fish can be found at depths ranging from 1 meter to 50 meters. Its habitat lies between latitudes of 30°N to 15°N.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Hawaiian Dascyllus Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters)
Hawaiian Dascyllus reaches a maximum length of 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters).
It has 12 dorsal spines, 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 15 to 16 anal soft rays.
This species is closely related to the Dascyllus trimaculatus, but it doesn’t live in the Hawaiian Islands or Johnston Island.
Hawaiian Dascyllus Reproduction
Hawaiian Dascyllus usually start breeding between May to August when they are about one year old.
This fish lays eggs and form distinct pairs during mating. The eggs stick to surfaces underwater, like rocks or plants.
Male fish protect the eggs and help them get oxygen.
At first, people thought this species changed its gender from female to male in its life, but recent research showed that it doesn’t actually change its gender.
It just has some features of both genders without being functional hermaphrodites.
Hawaiian Dascyllus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Dascyllus |
| Scientific Name: | Dascyllus albisella |
| Also Known As: | Hawaiian Dascyllus, Hawaiian Domino, Domino Damselfish, White-spotted Damsel |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |