Dusky damselfish
Stegastes fuscus
(Cuvier, 1830)
Description:
Body laterally flattened, oval in profile, dark olive-brown to almost black, with a pale olive area behind the head. Faint dark bands on the body. Normally with a blackish area at the upper edge of the pectoral fin base. Dorsal and anal fins rounded and rarely extend beyond the base of the tail. May have a light blue outline on the rear dorsal and anal fins.
Juveniles bluish silver-gray, with a brilliant orange wash from the snout across the nape to about halfway the dorsal fin. Blue dot markings on the head and back. A dark spot on the dorsal fin and one on the base of the tail, both ringed in white to pale blue.
Size up to 12.5 cm.
Habitat:
Inhabit shallow reefs or rocky bottom, down to 12 m. Sometimes near the shore in areas with little visibility. A diurnal species, feeding on benthic algae, polychaetes and harpacticoid copepods. Adults also consume hydroids, sponges and eggs of other fish. Territorial, pugnaciously chase away intruders.
Distribution:
Occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.