Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: Whitetail dascyllus
Remark: <i>Dascyllus abudafur<> former synonym of this species is resurrected with Indian Ocean distribution and <i>D. aruanus </i> restricted to Pacific Ocean. Information herein will be re-assigned accordingly.
Comments: Territorial, inhabit shallow lagoon and subtidal reef flats.  Form large aggregations above staghorn <i>Acropora</i> thickets or in smaller groups above isolated coral heads.  Feed on zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and algae.  Males invite females to spawn in their nests; protecting the eggs until they hatch and becoming very aggressive against other fish.  Eggs hatch after 3-5 days; pelagic larvae feed on plankton (Ref. 5503).  Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).  Used in behavioral study.  Have been reared in captivity (Ref. 35412). Diurnal species (Ref. 54980, 120737).