Chromis punctipinnis
| Chromis punctipinnis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Chromis |
| Species: | C. punctipinnis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Chromis punctipinnis (J.G. Cooper, 1863)
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Ayresia punctipinnis J.G. Cooper, 1863 | |
The blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis), also known as the blacksmith chromis and blacksmith damselfish, is a species of fish in the damselfish family. It is native to the subtropical northeastern Pacific Ocean, where it range is from Monterey Bay, California, USA, to central Baja California, Mexico.[2] This small fish is associated with rocky reefs and kelp forests.[2]
Description
[edit]The blacksmith can reach 25 centimetres (10 in) in length.[2] It is blue-black in color with small black spots towards the tail. The scales are large. The tail is forked. The juvenile is two-toned with a blue-grey front and a brownish-orange rear.
Ecology
[edit]Habitat
[edit]The fish lives at depths up to 46 metres (151 ft), usually close to the sea floor, over rocks, or on slopes. It also inhabits kelp forests.
Diet
[edit]The diet includes marine algae and zooplankton.
Behaviour
[edit]The blacksmith rests in rocky crevices during the night. It is known to be territorial, and, although small, it acts aggressively toward other fish.[citation needed] Juveniles are pelagic and form schools.[citation needed] The blacksmith is symbiotic with the señorita.[citation needed] When it feels that it is starting to deteriorate in hygiene it will turn until it is perpendicular to the ground, allowing the señorita to clean it.[citation needed]
Reproduction
[edit]The blacksmith spawns during summer and autumn.[citation needed] The male cleans a nesting site, then herds a female to it. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch.
References
[edit]- ^ Collen, B.; Richman, N.; Beresford, A.; Chenery, A. & Ram, M. (Sampled Red List Index Coordinating Team). (2010). "Chromis punctipinnis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T154831A4645603. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T154831A4645603.en.
- ^ a b c Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Chromis punctipinnis". FishBase. February 2006 version.
External links
[edit]
- Photos of Chromis punctipinnis on Sealife Collection