Microspathodon bairdii (Gill, 1862)

Size

Microspathodon bairdii is a large damselfish that reaches 25 centimetres (9.8 in) in standard length.

Adult Coloration & Morphology

Adult individuals are dark brown or black, have purple eyes, and have a large bump on the forehead.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles have bright blue colouring on their backs, with orange or yellow colouring on the underside.

Distribution Endemism

This species is endemic to the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Geographic Range

Its range extends from the mouth of the Gulf of California in Mexico south to Ecuador, and includes the Revillagigedo, Cocos, Malpelo and Galapagos Islands.

General Habitat & Depth Range

Microspathodon bairdii lives on rocky inshore reefs that are exposed to wave action and currents, and can be found at depths down to 15 metres (49 ft).

Common Microhabitat

It is most often recorded near large boulders in the shallow subtidal zone.

Gulf of Chiriquí Habitat

In the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panamá, this bumphead damselfish is found among large corals and on exposed shallow rocky reefs.

Diet

It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, but it will bite hooks baited with animal matter and readily eats meat when kept in aquariums.

Spawning Habits

This species forms breeding pairs, and females lay eggs in rock crevices located on the leeward side of currents, where strong water flow is present.

Egg Parental Care

The male guards and aerates the eggs.