With Valentine's Day coming up, we have the perfect Fish of the Month for February. Meet the Chocolate Dip Damselfish (Pycnochromis hanui)!
Survey Regions: The Chocolate Dip Damselfish is endemic to Hawaii, which means this is the only place in the world it is found. You can check out the REEF database sightings report for this species here. They are most frequently reported around the Big Island, and are seen in 43% of all REEF surveys conducted throughout Hawaii.
Size: They grow to about 3 inches.
Identifying Features: Chocolate Dip Damselfish have a brown body with dark ventral fins, and a white tail and tail base. They also have a black or dark spot on the pectoral fin base.
Fun Facts: Chocolate Dip Damselfish may occur alone or in groups. They are often seen swimming above the reef, where they feed on zooplankton. Nuptial (mating) males will become a pale yellowish-brown color and have bright blue eyes. Males also guard their egg patches.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Ed Robinson.