Damselfishes
Indian dascyllus (Dascyllus abudafur)
The Indian dascyllus (Dascyllus abudafur) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) and is endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is an omnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 8 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Not Evaluated. It is not dangerous to divers.

Quick facts
| Scientific name | Dascyllus abudafur |
|---|---|
| Family | Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) |
| Common name (IT) | Damigella coda a forchetta |
| Common name (EN) | Indian dascyllus |
| Maximum size | 8 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden |
| IUCN status | NE — Not Evaluated |
Description
Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.
Where it lives
Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.
- Red Sea
- Gulf of Aden
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the Indian dascyllus belong to?
- The Indian dascyllus (Dascyllus abudafur) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes).
- Is the Indian dascyllus dangerous?
- It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Indian dascyllus endemic to the Red Sea?
- Yes — it lives only in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
- How big does the Indian dascyllus get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 8 cm.
Explore the Indian dascyllus in 3D in the interactive atlas →