Damselfishes
Whitespotted devil (Stegastes lacrymatus)
The Whitespotted devil (Stegastes lacrymatus) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is an omnivore and usually seen in small groups. It reaches about 8 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Stegastes lacrymatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) |
| Common name (IT) | Damigella lacrimosa |
| Common name (EN) | Whitespotted devil |
| Maximum size | 8 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | LC — 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 Whitespotted devil belong to?
- The Whitespotted devil (Stegastes lacrymatus) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes).
- Is the Whitespotted devil dangerous?
- It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Whitespotted devil endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the Whitespotted devil get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 8 cm.
Explore the Whitespotted devil in 3D in the interactive atlas →