Dischistodus pseudochrysopoecilus

Dischistodus pseudochrysopoecilus (Allen & Robertson, 1974)
Monarch damsel

photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:	Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:	18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 5 m, non-migratory
Distribution:	Western Central Pacific: Philippines to the GBR and Melanesia. Also reported from Malaysia (Ref. 5756).
Diagnosis:	Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-15. Description: Overall dark brown almost black, head spots and lines blue, middle dorsal spot white, scales with streaks blue. Juvenile lighter brown, vertical bars on body two white, dorsal ocellus black. Body depth 2.0-2.3 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:	Adults inhabit lagoon reefs in areas of scattered live coral thickets interspersed with open areas of sand and dead coral (Ref. 4966). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699).
IUCN Red List Status:	Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 September 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless

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