Pycnochromis margaritifer (Fowler, 1946)
Bicolor chromis
Pycnochromis margaritifer
photo by Cook, D.C.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Chrominae
Max. size:  10.2 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 14.6 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island and northwestern Australia in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line and Tuamoto islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-12. Description: Overall dark brown, nearly black, with caudal peduncle and caudal fin abruptly white. Its caudal fin lobes end in two filaments. A black spot is at the base of the pectoral fin. Dorsal fin spine tips blue (Ref. 48636). Body depth 1.9-2.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults are usually seen singly or in small groups on coastal reefs, amongst mixed algae-coral reef or rocky reefs (Ref. 48636). They are found on exposed seaward reefs; less abundant in lagoons and channels. Feed on zooplankton. 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. 113699).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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