Chrysiptera brownriggii (Bennett, 1828)
Surge damselfish
Chrysiptera brownriggii
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 12 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Marquesan and Society islands, north to Japan, south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-13. This species occurs in 2 basic color phases: a blue-backed (leucopoma) phase and a gray to black (amabilis) phase usually with 2 light bars (Ref. 37816). Large blue-edged black spot at end of dorsal fin base, and yellow form with black spots at end of dorsal fin and its base (Ref. 48636). Body depth 2.3-2.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults occur in rubble-strewn surge channels, the outermost reaches of exposed reef flats, and the upper submarine terrace at 12 meters. Territorial but they generally occur in groups, and remains close to shelter. Feed mainly on benthic algae and small crustaceans (Ref. 1602, 37816 ). 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).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 August 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Found in Cebu fish markets, Sarangani Bay, Malalag Bay, Bongo Island and Paril-Sangay Protected Seascape, Moro Gulf (Ref. 106380). Museum: Western Calatagan, Batangas, UPZM 5404. Also Ref. 48613. In range Ref. 1602.


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