Yellowtail Damselfish
Microspathodon chrysurus
Yellowtail Damselfish is a reef-associated Atlantic damselfish with a bright yellow tail and a dark blue-green body. Juveniles often show a vivid blue body with electric blue spots and a yellow tail; adults are more uniformly dark. It is common around coral and rock reefs, but not a major angling target.
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Identification points
- Bright yellow tail contrasting with a dark adult body
- Juveniles are vivid blue with many electric-blue spots
- Deep-bodied damselfish shape with small mouth and continuous dorsal fin
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, rocky reef slopes, and surge zones, especially where algae grows on hard structure; juveniles often hide in crevices and among branching corals.
Bait notes
Rarely targeted on hook and line; tiny algae- or shrimp-tipped hooks may tempt juveniles, but this is mainly a viewing species rather than a game fish.
Behavior
A territorial herbivore that grazes on algae and defends small feeding patches. Juveniles shelter tightly in reef structure, while adults stay close to hard-bottom cover and react aggressively to intruders.
Caution
Reef fish consumption can carry ciguatera risk depending on location and size; do not eat without local guidance. Protected reef habitat may limit capture or collection.
Fishing notes
If handled for scientific or aquarium collection where legal, use very light tackle near reef edges and avoid damaging coral. Most anglers should not target it; catch-and-release should be extremely gentle.