Yellowtail Dascyllus is a type of Damselfish from the Pomacentridae family. It lives in coral and rocky reefs as adults.
This fish eats tiny floating animals called zooplankton. Also, it’s active during the day and safe for reef aquariums.
Yellowtail Dascyllus Interesting Facts
- Yellowtail Dascyllus are Damselfish that live in coral and rocky reefs as adults, mainly in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
- They eat zooplankton and grow up to 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters) long, with unique features like dorsal spines and soft anal rays.
- These fish form groups called monandric species, consisting of one male and several females; they lay eggs that stick to underwater surfaces.
- Contrary to earlier beliefs about their gender-changing abilities, recent studies show they actually have non-functional hermaphroditism.
Yellowtail Dascyllus Habitat
Yellowtail Dascyllus lives in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean, including places like the Society Islands, Tuamoto Islands, Pitcairn Group, and Rapa.
It’s a tropical marine fish that stays near coral reefs and doesn’t migrate. Also, it’s found at depths of 3 to 40 meters in its natural habitat.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Yellowtail Dascyllus Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters)
Yellowtail Dascyllus grows up to 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters) long. It has 12 dorsal spines and 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays on the top part of its body.
It also has 2 anal spines and 13 to 14 anal soft rays near its rear end.
Yellowtail Dascyllus Reproduction
Yellowtail Dascyllus forms stable groups with one male and several smaller females. It’s a monandric species, meaning there is only one male in each group.
This fish lay eggs, which stick to surfaces underwater. The male protects and provides air for the eggs.
Initially, researchers thought that this species changed gender as it grows (protogyny).
However, recent studies have found that it actually has non-functional hermaphroditism, meaning it doesn’t change gender during its lifetime.
Yellowtail Dascyllus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Dascyllus |
| Scientific Name: | Dascyllus flavicaudus |
| Also Known As: | Yellowtail Dascyllus |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |