Pomacentrus aurifrons
A coral-reef damselfish with a golden forehead and blue-spotted scales.
The yellowhead damselfish, *Pomacentrus aurifrons*, is a ray-finned fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae, which also includes clownfishes. It lives in the western Pacific Ocean. This fish is found on coral reefs in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It closely resembles *Pomacentrus smithi* in color and body shape, and the two are thought to be geminate species. According to Allen, *P. aurifrons* can be told apart by its pale grey to nearly white body, blue spots on the head scales, vertically elongated blue streaks on most body scales, and a broad yellow zone covering the snout, forehead, and base of the front dorsal spines. Its fins are translucent with bluish soft rays in the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, and there is a narrow yellow margin on the spinous dorsal fin. The name *aurifrons* comes from Latin: *auri* means "gold" and *frons* means "forehead." These fish spend most of their time in groups on coral reefs at depths of 2–14 meters. Their habitats include coastal fringing reefs and offshore platform reefs, which are made up of various sponges and both hard and soft corals. They feed on zooplankton. Damselfish are often colorful, so they are commonly sold in pet stores across the United States.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Pomacentrus aurifrons
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Pomacentrus aurifrons is a fish from the coral reefs of Papua New Guinea. It resembles Pomacentrus smithi in color scheme and physiology, and the two are believed to be geminate species. According to Allen, P. aurifrons can be distinguished by its 'pale grey to nearly white with blue spot on head scales, vertically elongate, blue streak on most body scales, broad zone of yellow encompassing snout, forehead, and base of anterior dorsal spines, translucent fins with bluish dorsal, anal, and caudal soft rays, and narrow yellow margin on spinous dorsal fin.' The species name derives from Latin: auri meaning 'gold' and frons meaning 'forehead'.
Reader's Guide
Pomacentrus aurifrons is notable as a representative of the diverse damselfish family found in the western Pacific. Its description by Allen provides a detailed account of its coloration and distinguishing features, particularly the yellow forehead that gives it its common name. The species is found in three known locations: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, where it inhabits coastal fringing reefs and offshore platform reefs composed of sponges and both hard and soft coral. It lives in groups at depths of 2–14 m and feeds on zooplankton. Damselfish, including this species, are commonly traded in American pet stores due to their vibrant appearance. The belief that P. aurifrons and P. smithi are geminate species highlights evolutionary relationships within the genus.
Did You Know?
- Pomacentrus aurifrons is found only in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
- It feeds on zooplankton.
More in Clownfish and Damselfish, Part 2 1-24
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