Dischistodus melanotus (Bleeker, 1858)
Black-vent damsel

Palata

Dischistodus melanotus
photo by Cook, D.C.

 Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
 Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 1 - 12 m, non-migratory
 Distribution:  Western Pacific: southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Reported from Vanuatu (Ref. 13300).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-14. Adults have a large black patch on the abdomen reaching the anus; juveniles an ocellus over the center of the dorsal fin base (Ref. 48636). Body white, anterodorsal (or sometimes entire half of body) dark brown, opercle spots prominent pale large, belly patch dark brown. Body depth 2.0-2.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  Adults occur in lagoon reefs and generally prefers small patch reefs with sand or rubble substrates (Ref. 1602). Feed on benthic algae which it aggressively guards against other herbivores (Ref. 9710). Juveniles secretive in rubble (Ref. 48636). 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).
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:  Recorded from Bongo Island and Paril-Sangay Protected Seascape, Moro Gulf (Ref. 106380). Also Ref. 1602.

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 11.06.92
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 20.07.11
 Checked by: Reyes, Rodolfo B. - 29.08.94

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