Chromis punctipinnis
{{Short description|Species of fish}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Chromis punctipinnis.jpg
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = {{cite journal | author1 = Collen, B. | author2 = Richman, N. | author3 = Beresford, A. | author4 = Chenery, A. | author5 = Ram, M. (Sampled Red List Index Coordinating Team). | name-list-style = amp | year = 2010 | title = Chromis punctipinnis | journal = The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | volume = 2010 | page = e.T154831A4645603 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T154831A4645603.en | doi-access = free }}
| genus = Chromis
| species = punctipinnis
| authority = (J.G. Cooper, 1863)
| synonyms = Ayresia punctipinnis J.G. Cooper, 1863
}}
File:Thousands of Blacksmith on the Peacock Wreck.jpg|350px ]]
The blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis), also known as the blacksmith chromis and blacksmith damselfish, is a species of fish in the damselfish family. It is native to the subtropical northeastern Pacific Ocean, where it range is from Monterey Bay, California, USA, to central Baja California, Mexico.{{FishBase | genus = Chromis | species = punctipinnis | month = February | year = 2006}} This small fish is associated with rocky reefs and kelp forests.
Description
Ecology
=Habitat=
The fish lives at depths up to {{convert|46|m|ft}}, usually close to the sea floor, over rocks, or on slopes. It also inhabits kelp forests.
=Diet=
The diet includes marine algae and zooplankton.
=Behaviour=
The blacksmith rests in rocky crevices during the night. It is known to be territorial, and, although small, it acts aggressively toward other fish.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} Juveniles are pelagic and form schools.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} The blacksmith is symbiotic with the señorita.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} When it feels that it is starting to deteriorate in hygiene it will turn until it is perpendicular to the ground, allowing the señorita to clean it.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}
Reproduction
The blacksmith spawns during summer and autumn.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} The male cleans a nesting site, then herds a female to it. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{SealifePhotos|273751}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q2181570}}
Category:Western North American coastal fauna