Neoglyphidodon nigroris
A territorial damselfish with two color varieties across the Indo-Pacific.
Neoglyphidodon nigroris, also called the black-and-gold chromis or Behn’s damsel, belongs to the damselfish family and lives in the Indo-West Pacific. It shows up in the aquarium trade from time to time.
This fish ranges across the Indo-Pacific region. In the Indian Ocean, it occurs near Sri Lanka, the Andaman Sea, Indonesia, and Australia. In the Pacific, its territory includes Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Hawaii. It inhabits coral reefs and lagoons with plenty of coral, at depths between 2 and 21 meters.
Adults reach up to 13 centimeters long. Two color forms exist: fish from the Andaman Sea to Japan are black, while those from the western Pacific have a tan front and a yellow rear. The latter type might be a separate species, N. xanthurus, and the two forms overlap near Bali. Juveniles are yellow with two black stripes running lengthwise and a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin.
This species eats both plants and animals, mainly algae, crustaceans, tunicates, and salps. It is active during the day and usually lives alone. It becomes more territorial as it ages. For breeding, the female lays demersal eggs on a surface, and the male guards and aerates them until they hatch.
Juveniles are sometimes sold for home aquariums. Keepers typically maintain water with a specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025, pH between 8.1 and 8.4, and a temperature of 22–25 °C. The fish chases smaller tankmates and hides in crevices to avoid larger ones.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Neoglyphidodon nigroris
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Neoglyphidodon nigroris is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including Sri Lanka, the Andaman Sea, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Hawaii. It inhabits coral reefs and lagoons rich in corals at depths of 2–21 m.
Adults can grow up to 13 cm in total length. There are two coloration varieties: individuals from the Andaman Sea to Japan are black, while those from the western Pacific Ocean have a tan front and a yellow rear. The latter variety may deserve species status under the name N. xanthurus, and the two varieties overlap around the island of Bali. Juveniles are yellow with two longitudinal black stripes and a black spot at the pectoral-fin base.
This species is omnivorous, feeding mainly on algae, crustaceans, tunicates, and salps. It is diurnal and normally solitary, becoming more territorial as it ages. During breeding, the female lays demersal eggs on substrate, and the male guards and aerates them until hatching.
Reader's Guide
Neoglyphidodon nigroris is notable for its two distinct adult color varieties, which may represent separate species, with overlap around Bali. The species is occasionally available in the aquarium trade, where juveniles are more commonly seen. In captivity, it is kept in water conditions of 1.020–1.025 gravity, pH 8.1–8.4, and 22–25 °C. It chases smaller fishes and hides in crevices to avoid bigger fishes. Its territorial behavior, which increases with age, and its omnivorous diet make it a typical damselfish in reef ecosystems. The species' wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific, from Sri Lanka to Hawaii, underscores its adaptability to various coral reef and lagoon habitats. The uncertainty regarding the taxonomic status of the western Pacific variety adds to its interest among ichthyologists and aquarists.
Did You Know?
- Adults can grow up to 13 cm (5.1 in) in total length.
- There are two color varieties: black from the Andaman Sea to Japan, and tan-fronted with a yellow rear in the western Pacific.
- The male guards and aerates the demersal eggs until they hatch.
More in Clownfish and Damselfish, Part 2 1-24
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