Giant Damselfish (Juvenile)

Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Size: Up to 31 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cm
Depth: 1 – 25m (3 – 80ft)

Distribution: Gulf of California to Ecuador (including Malpelo & Galapagos).

Identification: A fish that goes through a dramatic transformation as it ages.

• Juvenile (Pictured): Spectacular! The body is deep indigo or dark blue, covered in brilliant neon-blue iridescent spots. The fins are edged in bright blue.
• Adult: They grow into giants (for a damselfish). The body becomes massive, robust, and dark grey-black. The beautiful blue spots fade away, and they develop a high, bumpy forehead.

Behavior: The heavyweights of the reef garden.

• Territoriality: Adults are extremely aggressive. They maintain large algae "farms" on rocks and will charge at anything that enters—including other fish and divers.
• Juvenile Habit: The small juveniles are shy and secretive. You will often find them hovering near large Sea Urchins or hiding in small crevices for protection.