Indian Dascyllus

Description

Cloudy dascyllus is up to 7 centimetres (2.8 in) in length. It has a pearly-white body with a slightly darker head, a black band from the first dorsal fin through the pectoral-fin base to the pelvic fins, a small dark-rimmed blue spots on the head, nape and breast, a very broad black margin on the spinous dorsal fin, black anal and pelvic fins, bluish soft dorsal and caudal fins, and often a black band before the caudal peduncle that extends onto the soft dorsal and anal fins.

Distribution

Cloudy dascyllus is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean from the eastern coast of Africa to Java Sea.

Habitat

Associated with branching corals on inshore and offshore reefs. They occur in small schools and feed on plankton. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs. Diurnal species.