Jewel Damselfish (Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus)

This fish is found in clear lagoons and seaward reefs of the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Marshall Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Australia. It likes to hang out in areas with mixed corals and rubble and feeds mainly on benthic algae and small invertebrates.

Damsels rarely get larger than 4 inches but are some of the feistiest fish in the sea. They are often spotted defending their home area by relentlessly chasing and nipping much larger animals until the invader leaves the protected region.

We have two of these specimens in our collection. It may take some time to spot them amongst the other 4,000 plus fish, but it is worth finding because it has one of the most brilliant color patterns of any fish, with its blue spots nearly glowing iridescently, and not often seen in large collections.