Honey-head Damsel, also known as Honey-breast Damsel, is a type of damselfish.
It’s originally from the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific areas. This fish lives in lagoons and reefs, typically in areas with silty water.
The standard Honey-head Damsel can be found from Singapore to Sulawesi, while the yellow-breasted one is found from Irian Jaya to Australia and Vanuatu.
Honey-head Damsels are found alone or in groups in their natural environment. These fish are active during daylight hours (diurnal) and are safe for coral reefs.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Honey-head Damsel Interesting Facts
- Honey-head Damsels are native to the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific areas, living in lagoons and reefs with silty water.
- They can grow up to 7.3 inches (18.5 centimeters) long, featuring a white or yellow breast with black spots on each side.
- During the breeding season, these oviparous fish lay demersal eggs that stick to underwater surfaces; males guard and provide oxygen to the eggs until they hatch.
Honey-head Damsel Habitat
Honey-head Damsel is a marine fish found in the Indo-West Pacific region, from the Nicobar Islands to Vanuatu, and stretches north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to northwest Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.
This fish lives in marine and brackish waters, specifically near reefs. It doesn’t migrate and can be found at depths of 1 to 12 meters (3 to 39 feet).
Honey-head Damsel thrives in tropical climates between 26°N to 40°S latitudes.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Honey-head Damsel Physical Characteristics
Size: 7.3 inches (18.5 centimeters)
Honey-head Damsel grows up to 7.3 inches (18.5 centimeters) long. It has 13 dorsal spines, 14 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 14 to 15 anal soft rays.
Honey-head Damsel typically has a white breast without a large black blotch on its upper sides.
However, there’s also a yellow-breasted variation that features the black blotch.
Young Honey-head Damsels have a white head and body with broad brown vertical bars, as well as a round black spot surrounded by yellow margins.
The body depth of this fish measures about 2.1 to 2.3 times its standard length.
Honey-head Damsel Reproduction
Honey-head Damsel is oviparous, which means it lays eggs. During breeding, it pairs up with a mate.
The eggs are demersal, meaning they sink and stick to surfaces like rocks or plants.
Male Honey-head Damsels protect and provide oxygen to the eggs until they hatch.
Honey-head Damsel Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Dischistodus |
| Scientific Name: | Dischistodus prosopotaenia |
| Also Known As: | Honey-head Damsel, Honey-breast Damsel |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |