Microspathodon chrysurus

Microspathodon chrysurus
Adult
Juveniles
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Microspathodon
Species:
M. chrysurus
Binomial name
Microspathodon chrysurus
(Cuvier, 1830)
Synonyms[2]
  • Glyphidodon rudis Poey, 1860
  • Glyphisodon chrysurus Cuvier, 1830
  • Pomacentrus denegatus Poey, 1860
  • Pomacentrus niveatus Poey, 1876

The yellowtail damselfish (Microspathodon chrysurus) is a species of damselfish native to tropical areas such as the Caribbean coast of Panama. Damselfish are abundant in coral reef environments. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists this fish as being of “least concern”. The species is exploited on a minor scale, for fisheries and the aquarium trade. It may be threatened by the invasive lionfish.

Adult and young adult damselfish differ significantly in terms of body color. The difference was so stark that researchers believed the adult and young adult forms were two distinct species.[3] Adults are brown with a yellow caudal fin. Young adults are violet with blue spots in their back and transparent caudal fins.

  1. ^ Rocha, L.A. & Myers, R. (2015). "Microspathodon chrysurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T188617A1902927. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T188617A1902927.en. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  2. ^ Bailly, Nicolas (2008). "Microspathodon chrysurus (Cuvier, 1830)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  3. ^ Poey, Felipe (1875). Enumeratio piscium Cubensium / por Don Felipe Poesy. Madrid: Imprenta de T. Fortanet. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.12630.