Stegastes fuscus (Cuvier, 1830)
Brazilian damsel
Stegastes fuscus
photo by Gasparini, J.L.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Microspathodontinae
Max. size:  12.6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Brazil. Some authors consider the population in Caribbean Sea as another species, Pomacentrus dorsopunicans (Ref. 9626). Reported in the eastern Atlantic off Senegal (Ref. 10797).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-14
Biology:  Adults inhabit shallow, coral or rocky bottoms and sometimes near the shore in areas with little visibility (Ref. 9626). Juveniles were collected from tide pools and on rocky Lithothamnion reefs; adults found up to 15 m depth (Ref. 40395). A diurnal species, adults feed on benthic algae, polychaetes and harpacticoid copepods (Ref. 9626); also consume hydroids and sponges and has been observed to feed on Abudefduf saxatilis eggs at night (Ref. 9626). 16:21 SL/TL (Ref. 9626). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding; eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate; males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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