Fish · GBIF taxon 5212031
Three-spot Dascyllus
Dascyllus trimaculatusAlso known as Domino Damsel, Domino Damselfish, Three-spot Damselfish, White-spot Damselfish
Jet-black juveniles sport three stark white spots and frequently seek refuge among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones alongside anemonefish. As they mature, their coloration softens into a sooty charcoal gray and their temperament turns solitary and highly territorial. Breeding males clear algae from rocky surfaces to create nest sites, actively defending their clutch against much larger reef fishes.
Reef-DwellingTerritorialMarine
Licensed reference(c) Valued image, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Planktonic Copepods
- Filamentous Algae
- Amphipods
Predators
- Groupers
- Moray Eels
- Lionfish
ThreatsCoral reef degradation, climate-driven bleaching, and aquarium trade collection
HabitatsCoral reefs, lagoons, and sheltered seaward drop-offs
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerciformes
- FamilyPomacentridae
- GenusDascyllus
- SpeciesDascyllus trimaculatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Juveniles: Search the protective tentacles of large sea anemones and branching corals in shallow lagoons.
- Territorial Posturing: Observe adults from a slight distance to watch their rapid darting displays against intruders.
Symbiont Nhobgood Nick Hobgood / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Competitor Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) dr.scott.mills, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) cello caruso-turiello, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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