Stegastes leucorus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Stegastes leucorus faces significant pressure from coral reef degradation throughout its limited range in the Eastern Pacific. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are causing widespread coral bleaching events that destroy the complex reef structures this damselfish depends on for shelter and feeding territories. Coastal development and pollution from agricultural runoff further compromise water quality in shallow reef environments where the species maintains its territories.
Habitat
Stegastes leucorus inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky reef environments in the Eastern Pacific, typically at depths of 1-15 meters. The species requires complex reef structures with abundant coral cover and crevices for shelter, establishing and defending small territories around feeding areas.