Yellowfin damsel (Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus)

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Ovalentaria incertae sedis · Family: Pomacentridae · Genus: Amblyglyphidodon.

Accepted name: Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus · Authority: Allen & Randall, 1981 · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 218778.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=218778 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

Measured values published by FishBase for Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Maximum length: 10 cm · Depth range: 12–20 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: short and / or deep · Vulnerability index: 10 of 100.

FishBase notes: Adults inhabit inshore coral reefs and steep outer slopes (Ref. 7247). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 11834) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Amblyglyphidodon-flavilatus.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

216 georeferenced occurrence records for Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus are published through GBIF from 9 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 32 distinct locations from a sample of 216 records, omitting 5 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Egypt (155); Saudi Arabia (38); Israel (10); Jordan (7); Sudan (2); Djibouti (1); Eritrea (1); Madagascar (1); Mexico (1).

Marine regions with a valid WoRMS distribution record: Somali Exclusive Economic Zone; Red Sea; Eritrean Exclusive Economic Zone; Djiboutian Exclusive Economic Zone.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2398501) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2398501&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=218778 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Conservation status (IUCN Red List)

The IUCN Red List assesses Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus Allen & Randall, 1980 as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 188560) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/188560/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 2398501) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2398501/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-25.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus is a reef dwelling fish, most often found at coastal fringing reefs and reef slopes. It is only found between the depths of 12 to 20 m. Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus has not been known to migrate from their spots, so they are non-migratory fish. They prefer warmer water, between temperatures from 72 - 78 °F. This species is native to the western Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, specifically in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Description

Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus has a total of thirteen dorsal spines, these would be spines on the top or back of the fish. It also has eleven to thirteen dorsal soft rays, which are segmented fin rays that are composed of two closely joined lateral elements.

The dorsal soft rays are almost always flexible and often branched. Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus has two anal spines, and eleven to thirteen anal soft rays. The overall color is pearly white with the anterior half being grayish, the chest is predominately pearly white, and the posterior half of body is a yellowish color. (hence the Latin species name flavilatus, meaning with yellow sides).

Many pomacentrid species are intensely territorial and compete for space both within and among species. The territory they defend are called "algal gardens" which are large patches of algae that they cultivate and take care of. The reproductive patterns of some damselfish are related to periodic rainfall and wind changes in tropical areas. some authors suggest that the synchrony of the reproductive activities of damselfishes is influenced by the lunar cycle.

Biology

Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus are oviparous, which means that they reproduce by means of eggs that are hatched after they have been laid by the parent. There is very little embryonic development involved in oviparous eggs. Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus shows distinct pairing during breeding. Eggs are demersal (living close to the floor of the sea or a lake) and adhere to the substrate.

Male damselfish guard and aerate the eggs. These fishes mainly feed on zooplankton. Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus are currently registered as "least concern" and have a stable population.

Source: Wikipedia: Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblyglyphidodon_flavilatus (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.