Three Stripe Damselfish

The three stripe damselfish has a close association with branching corals, particularly Acropora corals. The coral protects the fish from predators and gives them a place to lay their eggs. Within each coral head, there is a size-based hierarchy with the largest individual being male and the smaller individuals being females or non-breeding individuals. Groups are usually less than 10 individuals but may be as large as 80 individuals. All three stripe damselfish are born female and are capable of changing their sex to male. If the male of the group disappears, a large female becomes male to take his place. Three stripe damselfish breed on a lunar or semi-lunar cycle. Females deposit eggs in a nest and the male fertilizes and cares for them for 2-5 days before they hatch. Once hatched, the larvae disperse and drift in ocean currents for 16-24 days before settling on the reef. Settling larvae find suitable corals and members of the same species using chemical cues.