Stegastes acapulcoensis (Fowler, 1944)

Common Name and Taxonomy

Stegastes acapulcoensis, commonly known as the Acapulco major, Acapulco damselfish, or Acapulco gregory, is a species of damselfish belonging to the family Pomacentridae.

Native Ocean Region

It is native to the tropical and subtropical eastern Pacific Ocean.

Geographic Range

Its geographic range stretches from Baja California, Mexico, south to the Cocos Islands, the Galapagos Islands, and Lobos de Afuera Island in Peru's Lambayeque Region.

Depth Range

This species occurs on or near reefs at depths down to approximately 16 meters (52 feet).

Habitat Preferences

It is most often found over sandy seabeds and in tide pools, but can also sometimes be found in rocky or coralline habitats.

Diet and Territorial Behavior

Stegastes acapulcoensis feeds on algae, and it farms and guards the algae it grows within its own territory.