Fish ID

[joewr]

Originally posted by Walter
There are individual difference between individuals of a species. This is definately a Dusky Damselfish.

DSSW,

WWW™

Walter,


Do I get a Gold Star that is slightly tarnished or with one arm removed?

Dee,

I went to my photo album and looked at the photos of Damselfishes in it and could not find one with a dorsal like that. It makes me wonder if it were an injury or a crossbreed or just a slight genetic modification. Dee, did you take photos that showed others that had the same "modification"?

Joewr...

 

[Dee]

Dusky Damselfish Paul Humann’s Fish ID (2nd Edition), page 112, 113
Stegastes fuscus

Family: Danselfish - Pomacentridae
Size: 3-5 in., max. 6 in.
Depth: 5-40 ft.

Distinctive Features: 1. Dorsal and anal fins rounded and rarely extended beyond base of tail. JUVENILE: 2. Brilliant orange wash from snout across npe and about halfway down dorsal fin.

Description: Dark oline-vrown to almost black. Nape area often pale olive. Fainst dark bands on body. Normally have darkish area at upper edge of pectoral fin base. May have light blue outline on rear dorsal and anal fins. JUVENILE: Bluish silver-gray. Blue dot/dash markings on head and back. Dark spot on dorsal fin and another on base of tail, both ringed in white to pale blue.

Abundance & Distribution: Occasional florida, Bahamas, Caribbean; also Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico and south to Brazil.

Habitat & Behavior: Inhabit rocky areas. Territorial; pugnaciously chase away intruders.

Reaction to Divers: Unafraid. Aggresively attempt to move divers from their territory.

Note: Many ichthyologists consider the Brazilian population to be a separate species, S. fuscus, in this case, the correct name for populations to the north would be S. dorsopunicans.

Or you can see the whole thing at:
http://diverlink.com/cgi-bin/anyboard.cgi/forum/?cmd=get&cG=130343037303&zu=313034303133&v=2&gV=0

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by joewr


......Dee, did you take photos that showed others that had the same "modification"?

Joewr...

That's the only photo that clearly shows the dorsal fin. I really do believe it's a result of an injury of some kind. I do know he/she sure lived up to it's reputation....I have the scar to prove it!

 

[Walter]

Joe, I believe you are entitled to a brilliant gold star.

DSSW,

WWW™

 

[joewr]

Originally posted by Walter
Joe, I believe you are entitled to a brilliant gold star.

DSSW,

WWW™

That is like two stars! Thanks!

The picture did remind, though, of the time I got attacked by a Damselfish in Hawaii, a Whitespot Damselfish. I got too close to its nest in a clump of antler coral and it came at me hammer and tongs. Those are brave fish! I was happy that it was 3 in long and not 3 ft long!

Joewr...now that was a true damsel in distress...to quote some other guy around here...

 

[Dee]

I agree with Walter....you get the big prize, I just can't post the picture of it! And I have to admit to a bit of trickery in posting an unusual specimen.

You apparently know your fish! In the future I hope you'll jump in with any comments you may have on behavior and any distinguishing tips.

 

[The Chairman]

The man helped Darwin catalog most of his fish, what did you expect??? Oh yeah, I hear he has gills too!

 

[Iguana Don]

Actually, I identified it 1st, and I should get a handicap as there are NO SW fishes in Oklahoma. I should get bonus point over you who live near the SW/ocean.

Can I have some cheese with this whine?

ID

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by Iguana Don
Actually, I identified it 1st, and I should get a handicap as there are NO SW fishes in Oklahoma. I should get bonus point over you who live near the SW/ocean.

Can I have some cheese with this whine?

ID

Actually you got the first half of it first! So I guess you really should get half of the prize....when I think of one!

Would Cheetos™ be OK?

 

[Iguana Don]

Puffs or Crunchy?