Marginate Dascyllus, also known as Red Sea Dascyllus, is a type of damselfish found in the Western Indian Ocean. Sometimes, it’s sold for aquariums.
This fish usually lives near corals like Stylophora and Acropora species. Marginate Dascyllus is safe to keep in coral reef aquariums.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
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Marginate Dascyllus Interesting Facts
- Marginate Dascyllus inhabits tropical waters in the Western Indian Ocean, preferring coral reefs at depths of 1 to 15 meters.
- These fish grow up to 2.4 inches (6.0 centimeters) long and have unique features like 12 dorsal spines and 14 to 15 dorsal soft rays.
- They are bottom-dwelling spawners, laying eggs in distinct pairs during breeding while males protect and provide oxygen.
- Despite initial beliefs, recent research shows that they don’t change gender but possess non-functioning reproductive organs of both genders.
Marginate Dascyllus Habitat
Marginate Dascyllus lives in the Western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman, likely along the coast in between.
This fish prefers marine environments near reefs, doesn’t migrate, and is found at depths of 1 to 15 meters (3 to 49 feet). It thrives in tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Marginate Dascyllus Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.4 inches (6.0 centimeters)
Marginate Dascyllus grows up to 2.4 inches (6.0 centimeters) long.
It has 12 dorsal spines and 14 to 15 dorsal soft rays. It also has 2 anal spines and 13 to 14 anal soft rays.
Marginate Dascyllus Reproduction
Marginate Dascyllus is a bottom-dwelling spawner, meaning it lays its eggs on the ocean floor.
It reproduces by laying eggs and forms distinct pairs during breeding. This fish has one mate at a time, and this mating behavior can be both optional and social.
The eggs stick to surfaces underwater, and male fish protect and provide oxygen to the eggs.
Although scientists first thought that this fish can change its gender, recent research shows that it doesn’t change gender but have non-functioning reproductive organs of both genders.
Marginate Dascyllus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Dascyllus |
| Scientific Name: | Dascyllus marginatus |
| Also Known As: | Marginate Dascyllus, Red Sea Dascyllus |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |