Geographic Variation and Redescription of the Western Atlantic Damselfish Chromis Enchrysura Jordan and Gilbert (Pisces: Pomacentridae)

Chromis enchrysura is characterized by the possession of 13 dorsal spines, usually 12 anal rays and a body depth of 45 to 62% standard length. The color pattern consists of a dark blue to gray body, with a pale or blue stripe that begins as a V on the snout and extends onto the dorsum, at least in juveniles; the caudal fin is pale, yellow or dusky. The species exhibits distinct geographic variation in several morphological and meristic characters. Multivariate discriminant analysis reveals that specimens from Brazil and Bermuda, Florida and Puerto Rico, the Carolinas and western Caribbean cluster respectively into three distinct populations. Univariate analysis confirms this but also suggests c1inal variation in a circle from North Carolina to Brazil and back to Bermuda. The explanation for this pattern of variation is unclear, but may be related to water temperature.