Orbicular Damselfish

Amblyglyphidodon orbicularis

The Orbicular Damselfish, a member of the pomacentridae family, is a small marine fish reaching up to 8.3 cm in length. It has a distinct appearance with a grey head and nape, and a silvery white body that transitions to yellow towards the ventral and posterior regions. Its dorsal fin is grey, while the anal and pelvic fins range from yellow to yellowish grey. The caudal fin features whitish rays with transparent membranes, and its upper and lower edges are narrowly black. A small black spot marks the upper edge of the pectoral fin base. Divers can identify this species by its compressed body shape and the specific arrangement of its dorsal and anal spines and rays: 8 dorsal spines with 12-13 soft rays, and 2 anal spines with 12-14 soft rays. The lateral line scales number between 14 and 17, and it has 28-31 gill rakers in total. This species inhabits tropical marine environments in the Pacific Ocean, specifically around Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Tonga. It is commonly found in waters up to 30 meters deep, often residing in coral reefs where it plays a role in the reef ecosystem. The Orbicular Damselfish is oviparous, engaging in distinct pairing during breeding. Males are known to guard and aerate the demersal eggs, which adhere to the substrate, ensuring their development. Divers encountering the Orbicular Damselfish can expect a harmless interaction, as this species poses no threat to humans. However, its conservation status has not been evaluated by the IUCN. Observations of this fish are recorded at numerous dive sites.