Black Damsel

Neoglyphidodon melas

Black Damsel (*Neoglyphidodon melas*) is a dark damselfish of shallow coral reefs and lagoons across the Indo-Pacific. Juveniles are pale with a bold black spot on the dorsal fin, while adults are uniformly black and territorial.

Saltwater

Black Damsel reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Adults are uniformly dark brown to black over the entire body.
Juveniles show a pale body with a single large black spot on the rear dorsal fin.
Body is deep and laterally compressed, typical of damselfish, with a small mouth and rounded profile.

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reef margins, usually close to branching corals and sheltered structure in clear tropical saltwater.

Bait notes

Not a standard target species. Where caught by anglers, small natural baits, bits of shrimp, and tiny reef lures or flies can take juveniles; adults rarely feed aggressively on hooks.

Behavior

Juveniles are planktivorous and often hover near coral heads; adults become strongly territorial and largely graze on algae and benthic material, chasing intruders from small defended patches.

Caution

Reef species handling can be delicate; use caution around coral and avoid keeping fish from areas with local reef-fish consumption advisories or ciguatera risk where applicable.

Fishing notes

If targeted at all, use very light tackle around shallow reef structure and present tiny offerings with minimal disturbance. Most encounters are incidental while reef fishing, and release is preferable.