Pacific Gregory

Stegastes fasciolatus

The Pacific gregory (Stegastes fasciolatus) is a species of damselfish in the family Pomacentridae. Adults reach about 16 cm with a deep, compressed body displaying dark brown to olive coloration with indistinct darker barring and a small dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin. This species inhabits reef flats, shallow reef crests, and rocky areas at depths of 1-12 meters throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Pacific gregorys are highly territorial herbivores that actively cultivate and defend algae gardens on the reef, aggressively chasing away much larger fish and even approaching divers who venture too close. They feed primarily on filamentous algae grown within their defended territories. Their bold, aggressive territorial behavior makes them entertaining to observe, as these small fish fearlessly confront intruders many times their own size.