Stegastes variabilis

Lore & Background

The genus name Stegastes is Greek for stegastos, meaning covered. Formerly, the Caribbean cocoa damselfish was considered conspecific with the Brazilian cocoa damselfish, but the population from the Caribbean is genetically very distinct. The Brazilian cocoa damselfish is an oval, laterally compressed fish. The top of the head and the snout bear several blue stripes. The top of the body is generally dark brown or blue or brown and shades to yellow below. The sides are finely barred with obliquely vertical dark lines. There are two small black spots, one above the pectoral fins and the other on the top of the caudal peduncle. The large dorsal fin has 12 spines and 14 to 17 soft rays. The anal fin has two spines and 12 to 15 soft rays. The caudal fin is shallowly forked and has rounded lobes.

Reader's Guide

The Brazilian cocoa damselfish is notable for its distinct genetic separation from the Caribbean cocoa damselfish, which was formerly considered the same species. This taxonomic distinction highlights the importance of regional variation in damselfish classification. The species is marine and reef-associated, does not migrate, and occupies a depth range from the surface to 30 meters. Adults feed mainly on benthic algae but also on sponges, ascidiacea, and anemones, while juveniles feed on invertebrates such as harpacticoid copepods and nemerteans. During breeding, the female lays eggs on the seabed attached to empty shells, stones, or other objects, and the male fertilizes them. The male then guards, aerates, and chases away intruders. They are aggressive when breeding, and there is distinct pairing during breeding. These behaviors underscore its role as a territorial reef fish in its Brazilian habitat.

Did You Know?

• The genus name Stegastes means 'covered' in Greek.
• The Brazilian cocoa damselfish was formerly considered the same species as the Caribbean cocoa damselfish, but they are genetically distinct.
• Males guard and aerate the eggs and chase away intruders during breeding.