Pomacentrus spilotoceps Randall, 2002
Orange spotted damselfish
Pomacentrus spilotoceps
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  7.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  South Pacific: Fiji and Tonga.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 15-15; Vertebrae: 26-26. 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).
Biology:  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).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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