Description

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Context: A small team of ichthyologists at the California Academy of Sciences has discovered a new species of damselfish living off the shores of the Maldives.

About Damselfish

Scientific Classification	Family: Pomacentridae Order: Perciformes
Habitat	Found in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans, primarily along reefs.
Physical Features	Deep-bodied with forked tails. Single nostril on each side of the head. Interrupted lateral lines. Two anal spines.
Size	Damselfishes have two anal spines. Many species are brilliantly coloured, often in shades of red, orange, yellow, or blue; most do not exceed a length of about 15 cm.
Coloration	Brilliant colors in shades of red, orange, yellow, or blue.
Behavior	Lively, quick, strongly territorial, and aggressive. Some species live among sea anemones (e.g., anemone fishes).
Diet	Some feed on plant matter or small animals suspended in water. Others are omnivorous.

What are cichlids?

Cichlids are primarily freshwater fishes and are found in tropical America, mainland Africa and Madagascar, and southern Asia. The majority of species are African, appearing in great diversity in the major African lakes.

Source:

https://phys.org/news/2024-12-species-damselfish-deep-sea-coral.html

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about damselfish:

Damselfish are primarily found in freshwater habitats and are known for their bright colors.
They are herbivorous.
Damselfish have a mutualistic relationship with certain species of cleaner fish which help remove parasites from their bodies.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Damselfish are primarily found in marine habitats, not freshwater.

Statement 2 is correct: Damselfish are herbivorous fish that play a vital role in coral reef ecosystems by preventing algae from overgrowing coral.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Damselfish have a mutualistic relationship with cleaner shrimp, not cleaner fish. Damselfish are herbivores and are important in maintaining coral health by defending coral reefs against algal overgrowth.