Bicolor Damselfish

Bicolor Damselfish, Juvenile

Bicolor Damselfish, Juvenile
Name: Bicolor Damselfish
Scientific Name: Stegastes partitus
Family: Damselfishes
Taxonomic: Pomacentridae
ID Group: Small Oval Fishes
Size: 2 - 3.5 in.
Depth Range: On the reef (10 – 60 ft.)
Sightings: Seen many times

The Bicolor Damselfish has a distinct two-toned body, with the front half dark brown to black and the back half pale or white. An orange tint may appear where the two colors meet, particularly on the lower part of the body, and the fins can have a bluish tint. In some individuals, the color pattern varies, with the fish sometimes appearing entirely dark.

This Damselfish is known for its territorial nature, especially when a male is guarding a nest of eggs. Unlike some other damselfish that primarily eat algae, this species also feeds on plankton. They can live alone or in small groups with a dominant male. The male prepares a nesting site by cleaning a surface and performing a courtship dance to attract a female, who then lays a single layer of eggs for the male to fertilize and care for until they hatch.