Orangespotted Damsel

This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIII,14-15 (usually 15); A II,15; pectoral rays 18; tubed lateral line scales 17-18 (usually 18); total gill rakers 22-24; sub-orbital naked and the margin serrate; posterior edge of pre-orbital with a strong retrorse spine; body depth 1.95-2.1 in SL; longest dorsal spine 1.55-1.65 in HL; second anal spine 1.4-1.5 in HL. Colouration: yellowish brown, scale edges blackish; dull yellow to pale orange spots on opercle and anterior to and above pectoral fin base; two blue lines on side of snout crossing the upper lip; a small vertically elongate deep blue or black spot at the upper end of gill opening, a small black spot at upper pectoral fin base; in adults the ocellus posteriorly in lower half of dorsal fin may be present or absent; caudal fin abruptly yellowish (Ref. 124650).

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).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 15; Vertebrae: 26

Diurnal species (Ref. 52881).

Occurs on shallow coral reegs in calm areas (Ref. 124650). Diurnal species (Ref. 52881). 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).