Tracey's Damselfish

Chrysiptera traceyi

Tracey's Damselfish is a small reef-associated fish found in the tropical waters of the Western Pacific, including the Marshall and Caroline Islands, and has been reported in the Mariana Islands and Tonga. It typically inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. Divers can spot these fish either alone or in small groups, often staying close to the reef bottom. The fish reaches a maximum length of 4.5 cm and can be recognized by its fusiform body shape and oval cross-section. Its dorsal fin is characterized by 13 spines and 10-12 soft rays, while the anal fin has 2 spines and 11-12 soft rays. Tracey's Damselfish is diurnal and feeds on algae and zooplankton, which it finds near the reef. During breeding, the species displays distinct pairing behavior. It is oviparous, with eggs that adhere to the substrate. Male damselfish are responsible for guarding and aerating the eggs until they hatch. According to the IUCN Red List, Tracey's Damselfish is categorized as Least Concern.