Microspathodon bairdii (Gill, 1862)
Bumphead damselfish
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Microspathodontinae
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 8 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: central Gulf of California to Ecuador, including the Revillagigedo, Cocos and Galapagos Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-14. Head with a prominent hump.
Biology:  Adults inhabit rocky inshore reefs exposed to wave action and currents. Primarily herbivorous but occasionally takes a baited hook (Ref. 28023). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are deposited in crevices among the rocks in areas of strong current, usually in the lee of the current (Ref. 28023). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.