Neon Damselfish

Pomacentrus coelestis

The Neon Damselfish (Pomacentrus coelestis) is a small Indo-Pacific reef fish with vivid blue coloration and a territorial nature. It occurs around coral and rocky reefs, especially in shallow sheltered waters; angling interest is limited because it is primarily an ornamental/non-target species.

Saltwater

Neon Damselfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Bright electric-blue body with a metallic sheen
Small dark spot at the base of the tail fin
Compact damselfish shape with a relatively deep body and short snout

Habitat

Shallow coral reef and lagoon habitats, especially among branching corals, rubble, and surge-swept reef edges; juveniles often stay close to shelter in very shallow water.

Bait notes

Not a standard sport target. If caught incidentally, tiny bits of shrimp, mysis, or finely cut marine flesh can take it; very small reef micro-jigs or tiny flies may also draw strikes.

Behavior

Diurnal and highly territorial, defending small feeding areas over reef structure. It picks at plankton and tiny benthic invertebrates close to cover and darts back to shelter when threatened.

Caution

Handle carefully; it is small and delicate, and reef habitats can have sharp coral and venomous animals nearby. Check local reef-fishing rules and protected-area restrictions before targeting or collecting.

Fishing notes

Best treated as a bycatch or aquarium-interest species rather than a gamefish. In reef flats and lagoon edges, ultra-light tackle and very small offerings near coral cover are needed, but avoid damaging live reef.