Chrysiptera brownriggii (Bennett, 1828)

Scientific Name and Common Name

Chrysiptera brownriggii (Bennett, 1828), commonly called the surge damselfish, is a species of marine fish.

Geographic Distribution

It has a wide distribution in Indo-Pacific waters, ranging from East Africa to the Marquesas Islands and Society Islands, extending north to Japan and south to Australia.

Habitat

Its common name comes from its association with rubble found in channels formed by tidal surges in reefs, though the species can also be found on reef flats and submerged terraces.

Social Behavior

While it is territorial, it is often found in groups.

Etymology

Bennett did not specify who the specific name of this species was intended to honor in his original description, but it is almost certainly named for Robert Brownrigg (1759-1833), who was governor of Ceylon when the type specimen was collected.