Neoglyphidodon thoracotaeniatus
A black damselfish with distinct juvenile and adult coloration.
Neoglyphidodon thoracotaeniatus belongs to the damselfish family, Pomacentridae. Its range covers the Indo-Pacific, with most populations found in the Pacific Ocean. A small number live in the Indian Ocean, restricted to waters near Java, Indonesia. Elsewhere, it occurs around Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. This fish inhabits coral reefs at depths between 10 and 45 metres (33 to 148 ft). It also appears in the aquarium trade.
Adults reach a maximum length of 13.5 centimetres (5.3 in). Their fins consist of 13 dorsal spines, 12 to 14 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 13 to 14 anal soft rays. Like many damselfish in the genus *Neoglyphidodon*, juveniles and adults look different. Adults are black, with a white patch running from the eye down to the bottom of the pectoral fin, and three vertical dark bands near the front. Juveniles share this pattern but are yellow, with a dark spot near the dorsal fin and turquoise lines that connect this spot to the eyes.
This species feeds on plankton. Juveniles tend to stay close to the seafloor, while adults swim higher in the water column to catch drifting plankton. For reproduction, females lay eggs, and males then guard them.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Neoglyphidodon
- Species
- thoracotaeniatus
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Neoglyphidodon thoracotaeniatus is found in the Indo-Pacific mainly in the Pacific Ocean. Populations in the Indian Ocean occur only around Java in Indonesia, while Pacific populations are found around Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It typically inhabits coral reefs at depths of 10 to 45 metres.
Adults can grow up to 13.5 centimetres. Like most species in the genus Neoglyphidodon, adults and juveniles have different colouration. Adults are black with a white area extending from the eye to the pectoral fin on the bottom, and three vertical dark bands on the front. Juveniles have the same pattern but are yellow, with a dark spot around the dorsal fin and turquoise lines around that spot extending to the eyes.
This fish feeds on plankton. Juveniles stay near the substrate while adults stay more above to feed on drifting plankton. Females lay eggs, and males protect them.
Reader's Guide
Neoglyphidodon thoracotaeniatus is notable for its presence in the aquarium trade, where its striking color change from yellow juveniles with turquoise markings to black adults with white facial patches makes it a visually interesting species. Its distribution is primarily Pacific, with a limited Indian Ocean population near Java, Indonesia. The species occupies coral reef habitats at moderate depths, feeding on plankton. Juveniles and adults exhibit different depth preferences, with juveniles staying near the substrate and adults hovering higher to feed. Reproductive behavior involves egg-laying by females and subsequent male protection. The species' maximum size of 13.5 cm and fin ray counts (13 dorsal spines, 12–14 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, 13–14 anal soft rays) provide standard identification features. Its inclusion in the aquarium trade underscores its appeal to hobbyists, though the article provides no further details on captive care or availability.
Did You Know?
- Juveniles are yellow with a dark spot and turquoise lines, while adults are black with a white area from eye to pectoral fin.
- It is found in the aquarium trade.
More in Clownfish and Damselfish, Part 2 1-24
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