Yellowtail damselfish

Juvenile yellowtail damselfish often settle into small fire coral patch reefs.  They flit rapidly through the fire coral, and appear like little jewels.  They are dark blue, with brilliant blue (jewel-like) spots.  The tail of the smallest ones is colorless, but as they grow the tail becomes yellow.  Older fish grow out of most of the brilliant blue spots.

The fire coral photos were taken in about 10 feet of water.  The adult photos were taken at 30 to 40 feet.  The juveniles were l to 2 inches long, the adults were about 5 inches long.