Gerald R. Allen and John E. Randall

aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology, pp. 95-101, Volume 10, Issue 3 – October 2005

Abstract
Pomacentrus microspilus is described from 48 specimens, 16.7-73.6 mm SL, collected at Fiji. It is distinguished from similar species, particularly P. brachialis, P. imitator, P. nagasagiensis, and P. philippinus, on the basis of colour pattern and modal differences in certain meristic features. All of these species have a dark brown to grey-brown ground colour and a prominent black spot covering the pectoral fin base. However, P. microspilus is unique in having a triangular, dorsal extension of the pectoral spot, a thin pale marking above the eye, and a small black spot at the base of the posterior dorsal fin rays in adults. The new species is associated with silt-affected coral reefs at depths between about 2 to 30 m.

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