Description:

Dorsal spines: 13; Dorsal rays: 12-13; Anal spines: 2; Anal rays: 11-13.

Small moderately full-bodied damselfish.

This species occurs in 2 colour phases:

i) A yellow form (leucopoma) with electric blue dorsal band that continues through the eye and into the inter-orbital space. Black spots at end of dorsal fin and its base.

ii). A grey to black form (amabilis) (pictured here) usually with two light bars one in the mid body and one at the base of the caudal peduncle. Yellow markings at posterior edge of operculum and base of pectoral fin. A distinctive black ocelli lined in electric blue at the end of the dorsal fin base and on to the peduncle.

 

Size:

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 8cm TL.

Habitat and Ecology:

Adults occur in rubble-strewn surge channels and related rock pools, the outermost reaches of exposed reef flats (depth 0-12m). Territorial but typically in groups and remaining close to shelter. Feed mainly on benthic algae and small crustaceans. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs. Diurnal species.

Bruno et al (2008) found that all larvae that colonise the reef are yellow but that “a darkness/lightness environment and fish density are environmental cues related to colour determinism in the polyphenetic C. brownriggii.”

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not caught in the artisanal fishery.

Notes:
References:

Bruno, F. et al (2008). Ontogenetic determinism of colour polymorphism in a coral reef fish, Chrysiptera brownriggii (Pomacentridae). 15^th Benelux Congress of Zoology. 30-31-October, 2008.

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. 2020. FishBase. Chrysiptera brownriggii https://www.fishbase.in/summary/5697 (05/04/20)

Citation: