What is big-lip damselfish?

The big-lip damselfish is a species of marine fish that belongs to the Pomacentridae family. It is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly in the coral reefs of Fiji, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

The big-lip damselfish is characterized by its distinctively large lips and prominent jawline. It has a bright blue body with a yellow or white underside, and a black spot near its tail fin. It grows up to 12 cm in length and feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton.

These damselfish form monogamous pairs and are territorial, defending their home reefs from intruders. They also exhibit a unique nesting behavior, where they create a small hole or crevice in coral or rock where the female lays her eggs, which the male then fertilizes and protects until they hatch.

Unfortunately, the big-lip damselfish is threatened by the destruction of coral reefs due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. In some areas, they are also targeted for the aquarium trade. Conservation efforts such as marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices are important for preserving their populations.