About Mecaenichthys immaculatus (Ogilby, 1885)
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
The immaculate damselfish (Mecaenichthys immaculatus), also called the green puller, is a species of ray-finned fish. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Mecaenichthys, which is classified in the subfamily Pomacentrinae of the family Pomacentridae.
Adult Appearance
This species can be distinguished from other damselfish by its pointed head, large eyes, and bluish-silver body, which has a thin blue iridescent margin around the caudal fin.
Juvenile Appearance
Juvenile immaculate damselfish are orange with bright blue iridescent stripes, and they resemble juveniles of damselfish in the genus Parma.
Size
This species can grow up to 15 centimetres, or 5.9 inches, in total length.
Distribution
The immaculate damselfish is endemic to Australia, where it occurs in marine waters from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Depth Range
It is found at depths between 0 and 55 metres, or 0 to 180 feet.
Adult Habitat and Breeding Pairs
Adults live on rocky or weedy inshore reefs, and form pairs during breeding.
Egg Characteristics and Parental Care
Their eggs are demersal, meaning they adhere to the substrate; the male guards and aerates the eggs after they are laid.
