Hawaiian Dascyllus

Dascyllus albisella

The Hawaiian Dascyllus is a small reef fish that can reach up to 13 cm in length. It is characterized by its dark gray to black body with whitish centers on its scales. This species is often confused with the closely related Dascyllus trimaculatus, which does not inhabit the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island. Divers can find the Hawaiian Dascyllus in the Eastern Central Pacific, specifically around the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island. It prefers shallow, protected waters associated with coral reefs, typically inhabiting depths from the surface down to 50 meters. In terms of diet, the Hawaiian Dascyllus feeds on zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and algae. This species is oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding. The eggs are demersal, adhering to the substrate, and are guarded and aerated by the males. Although initially thought to exhibit protogyny, recent studies have confirmed that the species is gonochoristic with non-functional hermaphroditism. Divers encountering the Hawaiian Dascyllus may observe its territorial behavior, as it tends to hold and defend territories, especially when other fish of similar size encroach. Juveniles often shelter among the branches of Pocillopora coral and may exhibit a size-based dominance hierarchy. The IUCN Red List categorizes this species as Least Concern.