Common name: Pacific Sergeant
General information
The Pacific Sergeant, Abudefduf conformis, is a species of damselfish that is known for its striking appearance and active behavior. This fish is characterized by its silver body with five vertical black bands and a yellow tail. It is a hardy species that can adapt well to life in captivity, 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 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable to aquarium life
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet, accepts most foods
- Social
- School Best in groups, can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusSergeant MajorAbudefduf
- SpeciesPacific SergeantAbudefduf conformis Randall & Earle, 1999
Care
Pacific Sergeants are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. These fish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen and flake foods, but a diet that includes marine algae and small meaty foods will help maintain their coloration and health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Pacific Sergeants form breeding pairs or small groups. They are substrate spawners, laying their eggs on flat surfaces where they are guarded and tended by the male until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can be a challenging endeavor and is typically only attempted by more experienced hobbyists.
Habitat
Pacific Sergeants are found in shallow, tropical marine waters, often around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They are a widespread species in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They are typically found at depths ranging from the surface to about 12 meters.
Their active swimming and social behavior make them a lively addition to any marine aquarium, but they can be territorial, so care should be taken when housing them with other fish, especially in smaller tanks.