Damselfish

Photo: kliewer · CC BY-NC

The Mediterranean damselfish is one of the most abundant reef fish in the region, forming dense shoals above rocky substrate and ancient stone ruins alike. It is an aggressive territory holder: males vigorously defend algae-farming patches, even chasing divers that drift too close to a nest site. Their dark colouration as juveniles transitions to a vivid violet-blue shimmer in the right light.