Damselfishes

Dusky gregory (Stegastes nigricans)

The Dusky gregory (Stegastes nigricans) 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 pairs or small groups. It reaches about 9 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Dusky gregory (Stegastes nigricans), a Red Sea fish of the damselfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameStegastes nigricans
FamilyDamselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Common name (IT)Damigella nera del Pacifico
Common name (EN)Dusky gregory
Maximum size9 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 Dusky gregory belong to?
The Dusky gregory (Stegastes nigricans) belongs to the family Pomacentridae (damselfishes).
Is the Dusky gregory dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Dusky gregory endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Dusky gregory get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 9 cm.

Explore the Dusky gregory in 3D in the interactive atlas →