Princess Damsel

Pomacentrus vaiuli is a Damselfish from the Pacific Ocean. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.

Description

Comprises several color forms, or geographical variations. Body is yellowish brown with small purple spots. It has a dark blue earspot, golden iris, and yellow pectoral fin. Large ocellus on dorsal fin becomes smaller with age. Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 15 - 16. It grows to a size of 10 cm in length.

Distribution

Pacific Ocean: Moluccas to Samoa, north to the Izu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals in the eastern Indian Ocean and New Caledonia.

Habitat

Adults are found in mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 40 m. Solitary. Feed on filamentous algae and small invertebrates. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs. Diurnal species.