Dischistodus melanotus (Bleeker, 1858)
Black-vent damsel
Palata
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 12 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Reported from Vanuatu (Ref. 13300).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-14. Adults have a large black patch on the abdomen reaching the anus; juveniles an ocellus over the center of the dorsal fin base (Ref. 48636). Body white, anterodorsal (or sometimes entire half of body) dark brown, opercle spots prominent pale large, belly patch dark brown. Body depth 2.0-2.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults occur in lagoon reefs and generally prefers small patch reefs with sand or rubble substrates (Ref. 1602). Feed on benthic algae which it aggressively guards against other herbivores (Ref. 9710). Juveniles secretive in rubble (Ref. 48636). 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: 23 September 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Recorded from Bongo Island and Paril-Sangay Protected Seascape, Moro Gulf (Ref. 106380). Also Ref. 1602.


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