Threespot Damselfish, scientifically known as Stegastes planifrons, is a type of damselfish found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. It’s occasionally seen in the aquarium trade.
This fish lives in both inshore and offshore coral reefs and hides in caves at night.
Threespot Damselfish are often found among staghorn coral and places with lots of algae.
Their diet consists mainly of algae, but they also eat small creatures like copepods, tiny snails, mollusk eggs, sponges, worms, and hydroids.
Younger fish feed on external parasites found on other fish.
Adult Threespot Damselfish are very territorial and will aggressively defend their space by chasing away intruders – even divers.
The species is sometimes caught accidentally using traps and beach nets designed for other sea life.
Threespot Damselfish is also safe for reef aquariums.
Threespot Damselfish Interesting Facts
- Threespot Damselfish lives in coral reefs of the Western Atlantic, including southern Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean Sea.
- Their diet is mainly algae but also includes small creatures like copepods, snails, and mollusk eggs.
- Adult Threespot Damselfish are territorial and aggressively defend their space against intruders.
- During the breeding season, they lay demersal eggs that stick to underwater surfaces; males guard and aerate the eggs.
Threespot Damselfish Habitat
Threespot Damselfish is found in the Western Atlantic, including areas like southern Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean Sea.
It lives in marine environments around reefs and doesn’t migrate. This fish is found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters (3 to 98 feet) and prefers tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Threespot Damselfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters)
Threespot Damselfish grows up to 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters) long. It has 12 dorsal spines, 15 to 17 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 13 to 14 anal soft rays.
Adult Threespot Damselfish have a brownish-gray color with a yellow tint, dark vertical lines along the scale rows, and a large black spot near the top of the pectoral base. Their pectoral fins are slightly dusky.
Young Threespot Damselfish are bright yellow with three black spots: one at the base of the dorsal fin where it meets the soft part, another on top of the tail base (caudal peduncle), and a smaller one at the upper part of the pectoral base.
Threespot Damselfish Reproduction
Threespot Damselfish lay eggs, known as oviparous reproduction. They form unique pairs when breeding.
The eggs are called demersal and stick to surfaces underwater. Male fish protect and provide oxygen to the eggs by aerating them.
Threespot Damselfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Stegastes |
| Scientific Name: | Stegastes planifrons |
| Also Known As: | Threespot Damselfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |