Threespot Damsel

Pomacentrus tripunctatus

The Threespot Damsel is a small, solitary damselfish known for its presence in reef habitats. It can be identified by its compact, compressed body shape, reaching a maximum length of 7.5 cm. Divers will find this species in the Indo-West Pacific region, from Sri Lanka and the Andaman Sea to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It inhabits shallow waters, often found in bays and coastal reefs with sparse coral and algal growth, typically at depths of 0 to 3 meters. This species prefers sandy bottoms with coral rubble, where it can be observed in small rock holes. The Threespot Damsel is diurnal and feeds mainly on benthic algae. During the breeding season, they exhibit distinct pairing behavior. The males are responsible for guarding and aerating the demersal eggs, which adhere to the substrate. Divers encountering the Threespot Damsel will notice its solitary nature as it navigates its shallow reef environment. Although the species is harmless to humans, it plays a minor role in commercial fisheries. According to the IUCN Red List, the Threespot Damsel is categorized as Least Concern.