Pomacentridae

Pomacentridae is a family of marine ray-finned fishes in the order Perciformes, commonly known as damselfishes and clownfishes. The family includes the clownfishes in subfamily Amphiprioninae and the damselfishes in Pomacentrinae, with numerous genera and species adapted to coral reef habitats. They occur in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, with the greatest diversity in the Indo-Pacific.

Most species are small to medium in size, typically 5–15 cm long, though some reach larger dimensions. They have a laterally compressed body and a continuous dorsal fin with spines. Color patterns are bright and highly variable, often reflecting size or sex in species with sequential or protogynous hermaphroditism.

Pomacentrids are closely tied to coral reefs and lagoons. Diet is diverse, including filamentous algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. Many damselfishes defend territories on the reef and can be notably aggressive toward intruders. Juveniles may form small schools, while adults are frequently found as pairs or in harems within defended territories.

Reproduction typically involves demersal eggs laid on solid substrates and guarded and aerated by the male until hatching. Many species are protogynous hermaphrodites, with females capable of changing sex to become males in the presence of a dominant male.

Humans interact with the group mainly through the aquarium trade, where their vivid coloration and reef associations are valued. Some species serve as indicators of reef health. Taxonomically, the family comprises roughly 300 species across a range of genera, including Amphiprion and Premnas (clownfishes) and Pomacentrus, Stegastes, Dascyllus, Chrysiptera, Abudefduf, and Microspathodon.