Blue-Green Damsel

Pomacentrus callainus

The Blue-green Damsel is a small reef fish found in the tropical waters of the South Pacific, specifically around Tonga and Fiji. It is easily identified by its pale blue-green coloration and a distinctive wedge-shaped black bar at the base of its upper pectoral fin. This species has a compressed body with 13 dorsal spines, 13 to 14 dorsal soft rays, and 2 anal spines with 13 to 15 anal soft rays. It reaches a maximum length of 9.5 cm. Blue-green Damsels inhabit shallow reef environments, typically at depths ranging from 2 to 6 meters. They are closely associated with coral reefs, where they find shelter. These fish are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. During breeding, they form distinct pairs, and the males are responsible for guarding and aerating the demersal eggs that adhere to the substrate. Divers encountering the Blue-green Damsel can expect to see them hovering near corals. They are harmless to humans and are not targeted by fisheries, although they may be part of subsistence fishing practices. The conservation status of the Blue-green Damsel is listed as Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.