Coral Demoiselle

Neopomacentrus nemurus

The Coral Demoiselle is a small reef-associated fish known for its presence in tropical waters of the Western Central Pacific. Divers can encounter this species in regions including Indonesia, the Philippines, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It inhabits lagoon and inshore coral reefs, often found in areas where silting occurs. Typically, it resides at depths ranging from 1 to 10 meters. This species reaches a maximum length of 8.0 cm and is characterized by its compressed body shape. It features 13 dorsal spines and 11 to 12 dorsal soft rays, along with 2 anal spines and 11 to 12 anal soft rays. The Coral Demoiselle is diurnal and aggregates over coral outcrops where it feeds on zooplankton. Reproduction involves distinct pairing, as the species is oviparous. Eggs are demersal, adhering to the substrate, with males taking on the role of guarding and aerating the eggs. The Coral Demoiselle is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.