Acapulco Damselfish
Stegastes acapulcoensis
Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Size: Up to 18 cm (7 in)
Habitat: Shallow rocky reefs and corals.
Distribution: Tropical Eastern Pacific (Baja California to Chile).
Identification:
A fish that changes its identity completely as it grows.
- Juveniles: They are vibrant, neon blue with iridescent markings. This bright color signals to adults that they are not yet a threat to territory.
- Adults: As they mature, they transform into a dark brown color. However, they retain blue spots on the head and the front of the body, distinguishing them from other damselfish.
Behavior:
Small but fierce farmers.
- Territorial Farmers: Adults are highly territorial. They maintain and defend patches of "turf algae" which they feed on. They will aggressively chase away divers or other fish that come too close to their farm.
- Reproduction: They are devoted parents. Males guard and aerate the eggs, which are attached to the substrate (demersal), until they hatch. Amazingly, this species can live up to 32 years.
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Behind the Lens
Jalvan
Underwater Photographer & Instructor
Documenting unique marine biodiversity from the Red Sea across the Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to creating a visual catalog of Bahia Solano's marine life for conservation and research.
Video: Osmo Action 5 Pro | GoPro
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REFERENCES & DATA SOURCES
- Scientific ID: Verified via FishBase.
- Field Guide: Reef Fish Identification: Baja to Panama (Humann & DeLoach).
- Regional Data: Ankla Azul Marine Observation Log (Bahia Solano).
More Than Kicking Your Fins
At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It's patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano's wild Pacific.