The Dusky Farmerfish, Dusky Damselfish, Mamo, scientifically known as Stegastes nigricans, is a small, colorful fish found in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Description & Characteristics
Stegastes nigricans is easily recognizable due to its distinctive coloration. Adults sport a dark brown to black body with a bright yellow tail and a white stripe running along the edge of the dorsal fin. Juveniles, on the other hand, exhibit a more vibrant orange-brown coloration. This species typically reaches a maximum size of 14.0 cm, making them a relatively small fish.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Dusky Farmerfish, Dusky Damselfish, Mamo, Stegastes nigricans is a common sight in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. It prefers rocky reefs and areas with abundant algae growth, often forming territories within these habitats. Their preferred depth range lies between 1.0 and 12.0 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Stegastes nigricans belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Ovalentaria incertae sedis, and Family: Pomacentridae. This family, commonly known as the damselfishes, comprises over 300 species known for their vibrant colors and territorial behavior.
Feeding
Stegastes nigricans is primarily an algae grazer, consuming a diet of algae, epiphytes, and invertebrates. They are also known to feed on sponges, demonstrating their opportunistic nature. This feeding behavior contributes to the balance of the coral reef ecosystem by controlling algal growth.
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