Damselfishes

Threespot dascyllus (Dascyllus trimaculatus)

The Threespot dascyllus (Dascyllus trimaculatus) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in small groups. It reaches about 12 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Threespot dascyllus (Dascyllus trimaculatus), a Red Sea fish of the damselfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameDascyllus trimaculatus
FamilyDamselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Common name (IT)Damigella domino
Common name (EN)Threespot dascyllus
Maximum size12 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Threespot dascyllus belong to?
The Threespot dascyllus (Dascyllus trimaculatus) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes).
Is the Threespot dascyllus dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Threespot dascyllus endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Threespot dascyllus get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 12 cm.

Explore the Threespot dascyllus in 3D in the interactive atlas →