Fauna
Species

Cortez Damselfish

Stegastes rectifraenum

Also known as Cortez Gregory

Cortez damselfish fiercely patrol small territories along sunlit rocky reefs, relentlessly chasing away larger fish, sea urchins, and intruding divers. Adults aggressively cultivate lush mats of filamentous algae by weeding out unpalatable turf species and defending the plot against grazing parrotfish. During breeding season, males prepare clean rock surfaces, perform rapid dipping courtship displays, and diligently fan batches of demersal eggs until they hatch.

TerritorialReef DwellerAlgae Farmer
Cortez Damselfish reference1 / 2
(c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFilamentous red algae, Benthic copepods, Small amphipods
Predators
  • Leopard grouper
  • Panamic green moray
  • Barred pargo
ThreatsCoastal development, sedimentation, and rising sea surface temperatures
HabitatsShallow rocky inshore reefs and boulder slopes
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPomacentridae
  2. SpeciesStegastes rectifraenum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Snorkeling Observation: Look for them hovering a few centimeters above shallow, boulder-strewn reefs in calm bays.
  • Territorial Posturing: Expect bold charges or rapid darting if your fins pass directly over an algae farm.
  • Juvenile Spotting: Search sheltered crevices for young fish displaying brilliant electric-blue dorsal spots.
Related species
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