Tree-spot Dascylus

The threespot dascyllus (Dascyllus trimaculatus), also known as the domino damsel or domino, belongs to the Pomacentridae family. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the 🌊 Red Sea and East Africa to the Pitcairn Islands, southern 🇯🇵 Japan, and 🇦🇺 Australia. It can also be found in certain areas of the 🇵🇭 Philippines.

This species typically has a grey to black body with two lateral white spots and one spot between the eyes, resembling the pattern on a domino, hence its name. Growing to a maximum length of 13 cm, the coloration of the threespot dascyllus may vary, with the forehead spot occasionally absent and the lateral spots reduced in size. Its diet consists of algae, copepods, and other planktonic crustaceans.

In general, adult threespot dascyllus individuals form small groups around coral heads or large rocks. Juveniles, on the other hand, may be found near large sea anemones or seeking shelter within the spines of diadema sea urchins or branching corals. It is possible to locate this species at depths of up to 55 meters.

The term "trimaculatus" originates from the Latin words "tri" (meaning three) and "maculatus" (meaning spotted), describing the fish's three white spots. This characteristic also explains its common name, "domino."