About Neoglyphidodon oxyodon (Bleeker, 1858)
This species, scientifically named Neoglyphidodon oxyodon (Bleeker, 1858), has adults that reach a maximum length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in). Juveniles and adults of this species have distinct coloration: adults are grayish black, while juveniles are dark blue with a light yellow stripe or spot and blue streaks that fade as the fish age. This fish species occurs on coral reefs in the western Pacific Ocean, with a range extending from Indonesia to the Philippines and Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea. It inhabits depths from 0 to 4 metres (0 to 13 ft), and is typically found around Acropora coral heads for shelter, occupying lagoons and reef flats of coral reef systems. During reproduction, males establish a territory on a rock or coral surface and clean it. Males then court females to come to their territory. After females lay their eggs, males fertilize them. The male constantly guards the eggs until they hatch, and also aerates and tends to the eggs. Any unhatched eggs are removed from the spawning site. The entire spawning process usually lasts around 20 minutes. Each female can lay up to 20,000 eggs. On average, eggs take between 3 days and a week to hatch. A single male may spawn with multiple females.
