Reticulated Damselfish

Dascyllus reticulatus

Reticulated Damselfish (Dascyllus reticulatus) is a small Indo-Pacific reef fish that lives close to coral and other shelter. It is territorial, often stays near branching corals, and feeds mainly on plankton and tiny benthic invertebrates.

Saltwater

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

Identification points

Black-and-white reticulated, netlike body pattern on the flanks
Yellow to pale snout and head with a dark mask through the eye
Tiny damselfish body with a stout, oval profile and forked tail

Habitat

Shallow tropical coral reefs, reef flats, lagoon patch reefs, and sheltered surge zones, usually around branching corals and rubble where it can dart into cover.

Bait notes

Not a targeted angling species and is too small for typical hook-and-line fishing. If handled for aquarium capture, tiny planktonic foods or very small mysis-sized offerings are more relevant than fishing baits.

Behavior

Highly territorial and site-attached; commonly forms small groups around coral heads. It picks at plankton, zooplankton, and tiny crustaceans in the water column and near the reef surface.

Caution

Small reef fish, but like many coral-reef species it should not be targeted for consumption; local reef regulations may protect habitat and collection. Avoid damaging live coral when observing or collecting.

Fishing notes

Recreational hook-and-line fishing is generally impractical and not recommended for this species. In reef aquaria or scientific observation, use minimal disturbance and avoid damaging coral habitat.