Philippine Damsel

Pomacentrus philippinus is a species of marine damselfish in the family Pomacentridae.

Description

A dark grey to purplish blue damselfish with a network pattern on the body formed by broad dark scale margins, an orange hue on the thorax and ventral-most part of the sides, a prominent black spot on the pectoral-fin base, abruptly yellowish orange posterior dorsal and anal fins, an yellowish orange caudal fin, and the inner surface of the pectoral-fin axil tends to be more orange. Juveniles have an expanded yellow-to-orange area posteriorly on the body, encompassing the soft dorsal and anal fins, the caudal fin, and the adjacent caudal peduncle.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Maldives to Rowley Shoals, New Caledonia,and north to the Ryukyu Islands.

Habitat

Adults occur in lagoons, steep-sided channels, and seaward reefs from 2 to over 12 m. Can form large aggregations. Most common around walls and drop offs. Diurnal species. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs.