Dascyllus aruanus

7cm
0-20m
181 sites
Pomacentridae
The Humbug Dascyllus, also known as the Whitetail Dascyllus, is a common and captivating sight for divers and snorkellers exploring shallow reefs. These small, striking fish, members of the damselfish family, are easily recognizable by their bold black and white stripes. Imagine hovering near a vibrant coral head and witnessing a flurry of these miniature, boldly patterned fish darting in and out of the branches – that's a typical Humbug Dascyllus encounter! Often seen in large groups, they create a lively and visually appealing spectacle. You'll most likely spot them around coral formations within the Great Barrier Reef, South Pacific, Indian Ocean, and even as far as Japan and Korea. Keep an eye out in depths of 0-20m and you're sure to spot them.
Humbug Dascyllus are easily identified by their distinctive appearance. They have a small, laterally compressed body with a maximum size of around 7cm, occasionally reaching 10cm. The most striking feature is their coloration: a deep black body contrasted by three prominent vertical white stripes. The tail is also typically white, adding to their visual appeal. Their small size and tendency to congregate around coral heads further aid in identification.
Staghorn Damsel
442 sites