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The Yellowfin Damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus) is a small, vibrant marine fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae. It is characterized by its generally silvery-white body and distinctive bright yellow fins, particularly the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, which give it its common name. This species is a common inhabitant of coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, where it typically forms small aggregations among branching corals. It is an omnivorous species, feeding on zooplankton and benthic algae. While not a primary target for commercial fisheries, it is occasionally collected for the aquarium trade due to its attractive coloration and relatively peaceful demeanor.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Body is typically silvery-white to light grey, sometimes with a faint yellowish wash, especially dorsally. The most striking feature is the bright yellow coloration of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Pectoral fins are hyaline to yellowish. Some individuals may exhibit a subtle dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Bright yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins., Silvery-white body coloration., Relatively deep, compressed body.
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 13 spines and 11-12 soft rays. The spinous and soft-rayed portions are continuous.
- Tail fin
- Forked caudal fin, distinctly yellow.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are clear to yellowish, with 17-18 rays.
- Distinctive fins
- All median fins (dorsal, anal, caudal) are prominently yellow, contrasting sharply with the body.
Identification Tips
Fin Coloration
The most reliable identification feature is the vivid yellow coloration of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, which stands out against the paler body.
Body Coloration
The body is predominantly silvery-white to light grey, lacking prominent bars or spots, which helps distinguish it from other damselfish species.
Habitat Preference
Look for this species among branching corals on reef slopes and in lagoons, often in small groups.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths of 2 to 20 meters (7 to 66 feet), occasionally deeper.
- Environment
- Associated with coral reefs, particularly in areas with abundant branching corals (e.g., Acropora, Pocillopora) where they seek shelter and forage. They are often found in lagoons and on outer reef slopes.
- Geographic range
- Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Maldives and Sri Lanka eastward to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. Its distribution includes Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and various Pacific island nations.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with other peaceful to semi-aggressive reef-safe fish. Can be territorial towards conspecifics or similar-looking species, especially in smaller tanks. Best kept singly or in a very large tank with ample hiding spots if multiple are desired.
- Special requirements: Requires a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. A varied diet including high-quality flake food, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and spirulina is essential for optimal health and coloration. Good water quality and stable parameters are crucial.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Present year-round in its natural habitat, with no specific seasonal migrations or breeding patterns noted that would affect its presence.
- Market price: Low
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Not typically consumed due to small size.
- Texture: Not typically consumed due to small size.
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed due to small size.
Key Facts
Coral Dwellerbehavior
Yellowfin Damselfish are highly associated with branching corals, using them for shelter from predators and as a base for foraging.
Dietary Flexibilitybehavior
While primarily feeding on zooplankton in the water column, they also graze on benthic algae, demonstrating an omnivorous diet.
Territorial but Tolerantbehavior
Though damselfish are known for territoriality, Amblyglyphidodon flavilatus is generally less aggressive than many other damselfish species, especially towards non-conspecifics, making it a more suitable aquarium inhabitant.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard care for small marine fish. They possess small, sharp fin spines typical of damselfish, which can cause minor pricks if handled carelessly, but are not venomous.
Similar Species
Whitebelly Damselfish
Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster
A. leucogaster has a more pronounced white belly and typically lacks the intense yellow coloration on all median fins; its fins are often more translucent or only faintly yellowish, and the caudal fin may be more deeply forked.
Blackfin Damselfish
Amblyglyphidodon curacao
A. curacao has dark (often blackish) dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, contrasting sharply with the yellowfin damselfish's bright yellow fins. Its body is also typically darker.
Staghorn Damselfish
Amblyglyphidodon ternatensis
A. ternatensis generally has a more uniform yellowish-brown to greenish-brown body coloration and less intensely yellow fins, often with a darker caudal fin margin.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Pomacentridae
- Genus
- Amblyglyphidodon
- Species
- flavilatus
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