Speckled Damselfish, scientifically known as Pomacentrus bankanensis, is a type of damselfish found in the western Pacific Ocean. Sometimes, it’s sold for aquariums.
This fish lives alone or in small groups around lagoons, reef flats, passages, and outer slopes of reefs. It’s often found near rocks and rubble.
Speckled Damselfish’s primary diet includes small water creatures like copepods and isopods, as well as floating animals called pelagic tunicates.
It also feeds on algae occasionally. This species is safe for coral reefs.
Speckled Damselfish Interesting Facts
- Speckled Damselfish lives in the western Pacific Ocean and grows up to 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters) long.
- They thrive in shallow waters near coral reefs and have a diet of small water creatures and algae.
- During the breeding season, they form pairs and lay eggs that stick to underwater surfaces.
- Male Speckled Damselfish protect the eggs and help them get enough oxygen.
Speckled Damselfish Habitat
Speckled Damselfish is a tropical fish found in the Western Pacific region.
Its habitat ranges from Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to Fiji, and from southern Japan down to New Caledonia. It has also been seen in Tonga.
This fish prefers shallow waters, living at depths of 0 to 32 meters, and is found near coral reefs.
It doesn’t migrate and lives in warm waters with temperatures between 36°N to 25°S latitude and 92°E to 173°W longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Speckled Damselfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters)
Speckled Damselfish grows up to 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters) long. It has 13 dorsal spines, 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 15 to 16 anal soft rays.
Speckled Damselfish’s head and body are brown with a hint of red, and it has blue scale spots in rows.
The tail fin is white, while the back fin has a black spot toward the end. Its body depth is about 1.9 to 2 times its length.
Speckled Damselfish Reproduction
Speckled Damselfish are marine fish that lay eggs (oviparous). During breeding, they form unique pairs.
Their eggs stick to underwater surfaces (demersal) and don’t float around. Male Speckled Damselfish protect the eggs and help them get enough oxygen.
Speckled Damselfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Pomacentrus |
| Scientific Name: | Pomacentrus bankanensis |
| Also Known As: | Speckled Damselfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |