Stegastes planifrons (Cuvier, 1830)

Adult Coloration

Adult threespot damselfish (Stegastes planifrons) are brownish-grey bony fish with a dusky yellow sheen, and a large black spot at the base of their pectoral fins.

Maximum Length

They reach a maximum length of 13 cm.

Dorsal and Anal Fin Structure

Their large dorsal fin has 12 spines and 15 to 17 soft rays, while their anal fin has 2 spines and 13 to 14 soft rays.

Pectoral and Pelvic Fin Structure

Neither the pectoral fins nor the pelvic fins have spines.

Juvenile Base Color

Juveniles are a much brighter yellow than adults.

Juvenile Blue Markings

They have several tiny blue spots on the head and upper body, including one on the upper iris.

Juvenile Black Spot Locations

Juveniles also have three distinctive black spots: one at the junction between the spiny and soft-rayed sections of the dorsal fin, one on the dorsal side of the caudal peduncle, and a smaller third spot just above the base of the pectoral fins.

Juvenile Spot Rim

These black spots typically have a faint blue rim.

Pectoral Spot Development

The pectoral spot is absent in very young juveniles, and grows more prominent as the juvenile ages.

Depth Range

This species occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean at depths down to approximately 30 meters (98 feet).

Geographic Distribution

Its range extends from Florida, through the Caribbean Sea, to the Bahamas.

Primary Habitat

It is a demersal fish that prefers inshore and offshore coral reef habitats.

Microhabitat and Behavior

It is often found among staghorn coral, and may shelter in caves at night.