This document describes the characteristics of several species of damselfish at different life stages. It provides details about their coloration and markings as juveniles and adults. The damselfish species discussed include the Blue Chromis, Brown Chromis, Threespot Damselfish, Beaugregory, Bicolor Damselfish, Cocoa Damselfish, Dusky Damselfish, Longfin Damselfish, Yellowtail Damselfish, and Sergeant Major. Their identifying features such as color patterns on the tail, fins, body, and face are outlined for each life stage.

1. DamselfishBy: Abby Lucas

2. Blue ChromisAdultSlender, deeply forked tail with dark borders.

3. Brown ChromisAdultBorder of dorsal fin and tips of tail fin yellow.Dark spot around base of pectoral fin.

4. Black saddle on upper base of tail.Threespot DamselfishYellow-gold crescent above eyes.AdultLarger second dot on back and dorsal fin is lost with maturity.Dark spot on base of pectoral fin.Black saddle on upper base of tail is retained into adulthood.Juvenile

5. BeaugregoryAdultPale to yellowish tail.JuvenileBlue wash from snout across nape, down back and dorsal fin.

6. Bicolor DamselfishForebody is usually black.Adults

7. Cocoa DamselfishArea around eyes dark.Dark spot usually present on upper base of tail.Dark spot on base of pectoral fin.AdultYoung AdultJuvenileBlue wash from snout across nape, down the back and dorsal fin.Dark spot on upper base of tail.

8. Dusky DamselfishDorsal and anal fins rounded and rarely extend beyond base of tail.AdultJuvenileBrilliant orange wash from snout across nape and about halfway down dorsal fin.

9. Longfin DamselfishDorsal and anal fins elongate and pointed, extending well beyond base of tail.AdultBrilliant blue lines run from snout across nape and down back.Juvenile

10. Yellowtail DamselfishIntermediateAdultYellow tail.Translucent to whitish tail, changes to yellow with maturity.JuvenileBrilliant blue dots on dark blue.

11. Sergeant MajorAdultFive black body bars.Upper lip does not overhang lower.