Those Dazzling Damsels

Among our most common and familiar damsels are the 30 species of clownfish (which we’ll discuss in a future entry), plus blue damsels, green chromis, yellowtail damsels, sergeant majors, striped damsels, and dominos. Many species look similar enough that referring for instance to “blue damsels” can mean dozens of predominantly blue or bluish species.

Except for the Atlantic Garibaldi

which can grow to 12 inches, as most damsels grow no larger than three inches. In shape and habits, they’re like the familiar freshwater cichlids. Most have forked tails, two anal spines, plus a single nostril on each side. To many people, they resemble smaller and more colourful tilapia.

Most damsels are what are called demersal or bottomhugging fish, lording over a patch of coral or rock, grazing on algae, or hunting for tasty invertebrates skulking in crevices. Species like the Blue Green Chromis

form large shoals above corals and snap up drifting plankton. The rarest species like the Freshwater Demoiselle

can even survive in full freshwater!