Azurina eupalama
Local name: Galápagos Damselfish
Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Overview
The Galápagos damsel, also known as the blackspot chromis, is a possibly extinct fish species from the family Pomacentridae. It is endemic to the waters near the Galápagos Islands and Cocos Island.
Azurina eupalama faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from coastal development and sedimentation in its restricted range. Ocean warming and acidification associated with climate change threaten the coral reef ecosystems this species depends upon. Overfishing of reef systems has disrupted the ecological balance of its marine environment, while pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development continues to degrade water quality in critical breeding and feeding areas.
Habitat
This marine fish inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky reef environments in tropical Pacific waters. It typically occurs in areas with abundant coral cover and clear water conditions at depths ranging from near-surface to approximately 30 meters.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in POMACENTRIDAE
Threatened in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is Galápagos Damselfish classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Galápagos Damselfish live?
What are the main threats to Galápagos Damselfish?
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