Damselfishes

Sulphur damsel (Pomacentrus sulfureus)

The Sulphur damsel (Pomacentrus sulfureus) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) and is endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 9 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Sulphur damsel (Pomacentrus sulfureus), a Red Sea fish of the damselfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific namePomacentrus sulfureus
FamilyDamselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Common name (IT)Damigella sulfurea
Common name (EN)Sulphur damsel
Maximum size9 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionEndemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

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 Sulphur damsel belong to?
The Sulphur damsel (Pomacentrus sulfureus) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes).
Is the Sulphur damsel dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Sulphur damsel endemic to the Red Sea?
Yes — it lives only in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
How big does the Sulphur damsel get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 9 cm.

Explore the Sulphur damsel in 3D in the interactive atlas →