This small brown fish keeps a garden, and takes trespassers very seriously.
- Local names
- ‘Atoti
- Habitat
- Lagoon and reef
About this species
In coral-rich parts of the lagoon, dusky farmerfish tend patches of algae on living and dead coral surfaces and feed from them. These gardens can persist as territories pass between successive occupants. The fish’s brown colour varies with its surroundings and behaviour; a pale vertical band can appear during breeding or confrontation.
The female lays eggs in the male’s territory, where he fertilises them. A fish defending its garden will confront other animals that come too close, including swimmers.
P. Bacchet, T. Zysman, Y. Lefèvre, 2010. Guide des poissons de Tahiti et ses îles. Au vent des îles. 3e édition.