Damselfishes in Hawaii
Damselfishes are small, active reef fish often seen around coral heads, reef slopes and shallow rocky areas. Most are six inches or less, but they add a lot of movement to Hawaii's reefs. Some have bright colors, while others have bold black-and-white patterns that make them easy to notice while snorkeling.
About 345 damselfish species live around the world, and about 17 are found in Hawaiian waters. They have a single dorsal fin and a forked tail, and many stay close to coral where they can feed, hide and return to safety quickly.
How Damselfishes Feed and Behave
Some damselfishes feed on tiny plankton drifting in the water. Others graze on algae, and a few defend algae patches almost like little underwater gardens. For such small fish, they can be surprisingly bold. Some will chase away larger fish that come too close to their territory.
Snorkelers may see damselfishes hovering above coral, darting into reef cover, then coming right back out again. If you stay still and watch one area for a minute, their busy routine becomes easier to see.
Hawaiian Names and Common Species
In old Hawaii, mainly the larger damselfishes received Hawaiian names, likely because the smaller ones were not major food fish. Common examples include the Hawaiian Sergeant, called mamo; the Blackspot Sergeant, called kupipi; and the Hawaiian Dascyllus, called 'alo'ilo'i.
Damselfishes are a small but lively part of Hawaii's reef world. Watch them calmly, keep fins away from coral and avoid touching the reef. Related pages include the Hawaii fish guide, butterflyfishes, angelfishes, wrasses and Hawaii snorkeling.
