Family: Pomacentridae, Damselfishes view all from this family

Description To 7 1/2" (19 cm). Depth about one-half length; entire body and all fins except caudal dark blue to almost black, bronzy on cheeks and breast, light blue spots on back and dorsal fin, caudal fin either yellowish or white. Young have more blue spots on back and dorsal fin, caudal fin dark. Upper profile of head steep; mouth small, terminal; eye small, relatively high on head; teeth in upper jaw flexible, brushlike; deep notch anterior to eyes next to exposed maxilla; preopercular bone smooth; 1 nostril on each side of snout. Posterior edges of soft dorsal and anal fin truncate. Lateral line ends under soft dorsal fin.

Habitat Reefs in shallow water or offshore.

Range From N. Florida to Venezuela; Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, and Caribbean.

Discussion This species feeds on algae, organic detritus, and certain corals. The young pick parasites from larger fishes.