Plectroglyphidodon apicalis (De Vis, 1885)
Australian gregory
photo by Lavin, C.P.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Microspathodontinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 5 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: known only from the east coast of Australia - Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, and New South Wales. More recently reported from Taiwan (Ref. 12711) and OuvĂ©a Atoll, Loyalty Islands (Ref. 13236).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-13. Body color is generally dark brown with yellow or reddish suffusion on antero-dorsal part of head and body. The scales have blackish streaks near margin, giving an overall appearance of narrow transverse bands; a few small blue spots is scattered on head, breast and posteriorly on the sides. The spinous dorsal fin is reddish brown with orange submarginal band while outer edge of soft rays orange. A black spot is on the distal part of membrane between 2nd and 3rd dorsal spine. The tip of the upper caudal lobe is orange; the anterior edge of pelvic and anal fins is blue.
Biology:  Adults are found around dead coral outcrops, also in rubble areas in lagoons and on the outer edge of reefs (Ref. 510). 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 (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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