Indian Damsel

Pomacentrus indicus

The Indian Damsel is a small reef fish found in the Western Indian Ocean, specifically around Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Chagos Archipelago, and the Seychelles. It typically inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, residing at depths between 1 and 15 meters. This species can be identified by its compressed body shape and geographic color variations, which can help distinguish it from similar damselfish species. Indian Damsels are usually seen alone or in small groups. They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, and exhibit distinct pairing during the breeding season. The eggs are demersal, adhering to the substrate, and the males play an active role in guarding and aerating them. Divers encountering the Indian Damsel can expect to see these fish swimming around reefs, often displaying territorial behavior. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.