The hardy species Dascyllus trimaculatus is very common in the Maldives, and despite its rather dull coloration, it is popular among aquarists.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 7 cm; max. 12 cm
color
Black to dark brown with 3 white spots, particularly prominent in juveniles. Adults generally lose the forehead spot, and the spot on the upperside is much reduced or frequently absent.
This species inhabits lagoons and reefs up to 55 m deep, often forming small to large groups. Juveniles are typically found in the company of sea anemones, Diadema sea urchins, or small coral heads. Their diet consists mainly of zooplankton and algae.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 12 spines and 14-16 rays, an anal fin with 2 spines and 14-15 rays, 19-21 pectoral rays, a body depth of 1.4-1.6 in standard length, a finely serrate preopercular margin, and suborbital bones that are scaled with their lower margins finely serrate.