Common Name
Rocas Gregory
Year Described
Emery, 1972
Other Notes
Genetic evidence has demonstrated that the populations of Stegastes rocasensis and S. sanctipauli are almost genetically identical despite the differences observed in color pattern. The two species appear to have limited connectivity between St. Paul’s Rocks and the other Brazilian offshore islands. Given the differences in coloration and range difference, I will treat them as separate until a formal revision is done on the genus in the W. Atlantic. If they are shown to be the same species, the name S. rocasensis will take priority.
Specimens of Stegastes rocasensis tend to be more yellow overall with oblique black bands following scale rows on the flanks and a triangular caudal blotch. The back ranges from brownish to blue depending on age and juvenile blue-yellow bicolored pattern can be retained to a relatively large size.