Carlson's damsel (Neoglyphidodon carlsoni)

Classification (WoRMS)

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

Accepted name: Neoglyphidodon carlsoni · Authority: (Allen, 1975) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 278811.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Paraglyphidodon carlsoni Allen, 1975.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=278811 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

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

Maximum length: 10 cm · Depth range: 1–5 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: short and / or deep · Vulnerability index: 10 of 100.

FishBase notes: Adults inhabit fringing reefs on the leeward side of islands usually around caves (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). Diurnal species (Ref. 54980; 113699).

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 10230) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Neoglyphidodon-carlsoni.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

124 georeferenced occurrence records for Neoglyphidodon carlsoni are published through GBIF from 4 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 34 distinct locations from a sample of 124 records, omitting 1 inland record 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: Tonga (61); Fiji (56); Vanuatu (4); New Caledonia (3).

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2398586) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2398586&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=278811 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

This fish is found in the western and central Pacific Ocean. It ranges from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to Fiji and Tonga. Adults are found in fringing coral reefs. This species is present at depths of 1 to 5 m.

Adults of this species can grow up to a maximum length of 10 cm. They have 13 dorsal spines, 13 to 15 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 12 to 14 anal soft rays. Unlike most species in the genus Neoglyphidodon, the coloouration of the adults and juveniles of this species is similar. This fish is black in color.

This fish is omnivorous.

This fish is associated with corals in a coral reef.

Neoglyphidodon carlsoni is occasionally found in the aquarium trade.

Females lay their eggs in the substrate or rubble then the male guards and aerates them.

The specific name honours the aquarist and ichthyologist Bruce Carlson, who collected the type and who made detailed notes on its habitat. He also contributed many records of new species of damselfish for Fiji.

Source: Wikipedia: Neoglyphidodon carlsoni — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoglyphidodon_carlsoni (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.