Plectroglyphidodon phoenixensis
A solitary, territorial damselfish of Indo-Pacific surge zones.
The phoenix damsel, *Plectroglyphidodon phoenixensis*, belongs to the family Pomacentridae and the order Perciformes. This fish has 12 spines and 16 to 17 soft rays in its dorsal fin, along with 2 spines and 13 to 14 soft rays in its anal fin. It reaches a maximum length of 9 centimeters (3.5 inches).
Its range spans the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa east to the Marquesas Islands, Society Islands, and Tuamotus, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. The phoenix damsel lives in the surge zone on the outer edges of seaward reefs, typically among patches of *Acropora* or *Pocillopora* coral at depths of 1 to 8 meters (3.3 to 26.2 feet). It is a demersal fish, meaning it stays near the seafloor. Solitary and territorial, it feeds on benthic algae as an herbivore. Reproduction is oviparous: the female lays demersal eggs that stick to the substrate, and the male guards and aerates them.
As of 2025, the IUCN Red List classifies the phoenix damsel as Least Concern. Although it appears fairly rare within its native range, the only known threat—collection for the aquarium trade—is not considered significant.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Plectroglyphidodon
- Species
- phoenixensis
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The phoenix damsel is found in the Indo-Pacific region from East Africa through the Marquesas Islands, Society Islands and Tuamotus, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. It inhabits the surge zone of seaward reef margins, generally occurring in or near Acropora or Pocillopora coral patches between 1 and 8 meters depth. The species is demersal, occupying the sea floors, and is solitary and territorial. It is herbivorous, feeding on benthic algae. Phoenix damsels are oviparous; they lay demersal eggs that adhere to the substrate, and the male guards and aerates them.
Reader's Guide
The phoenix damsel is a species of Perciformes in the family Pomacentridae, described with 12 dorsal spines, 16-17 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 13-14 anal soft rays, reaching a maximum length of 9 centimeters. Its distribution spans the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Marquesas, Society, and Tuamotu Islands, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. Ecologically, it is found in the surge zone of seaward reef margins, typically among Acropora or Pocillopora coral patches at depths of 1 to 8 meters. The species is demersal, solitary, and territorial, feeding on benthic algae. Reproduction is oviparous, with demersal eggs guarded and aerated by the male. As of 2025, the IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern, though it appears fairly rare in its native range. The only known threat is use in the aquarium trade, which is not considered significant.
Did You Know?
- The phoenix damsel has 12 dorsal spines and 16-17 dorsal soft rays.
- Males guard and aerate the demersal eggs after they are laid.
- Its IUCN status is Least Concern as of 2025.
More in Clownfish and Damselfish, Part 2 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced