Damselfish (Pomacentridae)

The Big-Lip Damselfish (Cheiloprion Labiatus) appears to be a relatively uncommon member of the Damselfish (Pomacentridae) when compared to many of its locally occurring relatives.

Growing to a maximum length of around 6 - 8cm, the Big-Lip Damselfish has a generally dark brown/blackish overall colouration, without any distinctive markings.
Despite the lack of the colourful markings found on many other Damselfish, this species can be easily identified by its fleshy, over-sized lips, which may be pale grey/whitish in colour.

The Big-Lip Damselfish may be found cohabiting with large numbers of the smaller, and vastly more abundant Reticulated Humbug (Dascyllus Reticulatus) amongst the branching Table Corals (Acropora sp.) on which it is known to feed.

The Bluespot Damselfish (Pomacentrus Grammorhynchus) appears to be a relatively common species around Koh Phangan, although not found in great numbers.

Growing to a maximum length of around 12cm, adults have generally greyish/olive colouration but are distinguished by the small, neon blue spot found on the upper edge of the caudal peduncle.

As with many of the "reef-dwelling" Damsels, juveniles vary significantly in appearance from the adults. The juvenile Blue-Spot Damselfish is a dark blue at the head and upper front end of the body, gradiating to yellow towards the lower, rear area and adjacent fins.
There are 2 - 3 neon blue lines, originating at the head and converging along the upper body until ending at a dark, ocellated spot at the rear of the dorsal fin.

As with the adults, there is a small neon blue spot at the upper caudal peduncle, although this is far less pronounced in juveniles.

Although only reaching a maximum length of around 20cm, the Lagoon Damselfish (Hemiglyphidodon Plagiometopon) could probably be regarded as the most aggressive and ill-tempered fish species in local waters!!

With the Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides Viridescens) holding almost legendary status as THE fish to be avoided at all costs, the Lagoon Damselfish enjoys almost complete anonymity in which to perpetrate its attacks on unwary divers...

The Lagoon Damselfish is fairly easy to identify with its overall drab, dark brown colouration and large scales.

When aggressively challenging intruders in its territory, the head and forebody rapidly changes to a light brown/tan colouration. The fin rays and margins may be deep blue in colour and there may be small lavender coloured spots or lines below the eye, although these are very indistinct and often require a close-up photograph to be seen.

In Damselfish terms, this is a relatively large species which leads a generally solitary existence within its territory. It can be found at most of the shallow inshore reef systems in the area, although its abundance varies significantly from one area to another.

The Pink Anemonefish (Amphiprion Perideraion) is possibly one of the most common and popular species of reef-dwelling fish on the local area.

Growing to a maximum length of around 10cm, Pink Anemonefish are found practically everywhere that Sea Anemones are present, particularly the Magnificent Anemones, with which it shares a symbiotic relationship.

This species is easily recognised by its overall pink colouration, transparent fins and narrow, white, vertical bar down each side of the face and white stripe along the center of the back.
Although i can't find any mention of it in reference material, there appears to be a very thin yellow margin present on the caudal fin of some individuals i've photographed.

Pink Anemonefish live in small colonies where numerous Anemones are present, usually with one breeding pair and smaller juveniles sharing one or more Anemones.

Their diet consists mainly of algae and zooplankton.