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White-tailed Damselfish (Stegastes leucorus)

Photo of White-tailed Damselfish (Stegastes leucorus)

Key facts

Scientific name
Stegastes leucorus
Common name
White-tailed Damselfish
Category
Fish
Family
Pomacentridae
Genus
Stegastes
Size
5–8 cm
Depth
3–25 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
coral-reef, rocky-reef
Behaviours
benthic, territorial
Ocean zones
Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific

Description

Stegastes leucorus reaches 8 cm. Damselfish (Pomacentridae) endemic East Pacific & Galapagos. Deep black, yellow pectoral spot, pure-white deeply forked tail. Extremely territorial: defends coral-patch sector. Aggressive toward diver if intrusion perceived. Reef 3-25 m. No commercial interest = LC. Visual signature: black + white tail = easy identification.

Photo of White-tailed Damselfish

Photo of White-tailed Damselfish (Stegastes leucorus)Photo of White-tailed Damselfish (Stegastes leucorus)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the White-tailed Damselfish?
White-tailed Damselfish (Stegastes leucorus) reaches 5–8 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the White-tailed Damselfish?
White-tailed Damselfish is found between 3–25 m deep.
Is the White-tailed Damselfish dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the White-tailed Damselfish?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the White-tailed Damselfish?
Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Stegastes

  • Stegastes partitus - Bicolor damselfish
  • Stegastes adustus - Dusky damselfish
  • Stegastes diencaeus - Longfin damselfish
  • Stegastes planifrons - Threespot damselfish
  • Stegastes acapulcoensis - Acapulco damselfish
  • Stegastes flavilatus - Beaubrummel damselfish

Other species in the family Pomacentridae

  • Chromis chromis - Mediterranean damselfish
  • Amphiprion bicinctus - Two-band anemonefish
  • Amphiprion ocellaris - False clownfish
  • Chromis cyanea - Blue chromis
  • Amphiprion akallopisos - Skunk clownfish
  • Chromis limbata - Azores chromis

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 276673)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2398803)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia