Common name: Bengalese damselfish
General information
The Bengal Sergeant, scientifically known as Abudefduf bengalensis, is a species of damselfish that is notable for its striking appearance. This fish is characterized by its bright yellow and black stripes, which run vertically along its body, providing an eye-catching contrast. The Bengal Sergeant is a hardy species that can adapt to a variety of conditions, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable but needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; flakes, pellets, frozen
- Social
- School Prefers groups, can be aggressive solo
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial; may nip fins of others
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusSergeant MajorAbudefduf
- SpeciesBengalese damselfishAbudefduf bengalensis (Bloch, 1787)
- SynonymsAbudefduf palmeri (Ogilby, 1918)Chaetodon bengalensis Bloch, 1787Glyphidodon affinis Günther, 1862Glyphidodon bengalensis Capello, 1871Glyphisodon bengalensis Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830Glyphisodon palmeri Ogilby, 1918Labrus macrogaster Lacepède, 1801
Care
Bengal Sergeants are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. These fish are omnivorous and will accept a wide range of foods, including frozen and flake foods, but a varied diet that includes both meaty foods and algae will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health.
Reproduction
Like many damselfish, Bengal Sergeants are known to be territorial during breeding. They lay their eggs on flat surfaces, where the male will guard and tend to them until they hatch. The larvae are planktonic initially before settling down and growing into juveniles.
Habitat
Bengal Sergeants are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. They are commonly seen in shallow reefs and lagoons, often in groups, where they swim in the water column above the reef, feeding on plankton and algae.