Common name: African sergeant
General information
The West African Sergeant, Abudefduf hoefleri, is a species of damselfish that is not as commonly seen in the aquarium trade as its Pacific relatives. It is known for its striking coloration and bold behavior. This species is characterized by its distinctive black stripes on a silver to white body, resembling a military sergeant's uniform, which is where the common name 'sergeant major' originates.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable but needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet with meaty foods and algae
- Social
- School Prefers groups, can be aggressive if solo
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at slow-moving fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusSergeant MajorAbudefduf
- SpeciesAfrican sergeantAbudefduf hoefleri (Steindachner, 1881)
- SynonymsChromis bicolor (Rochebrune, 1880)Gliphydodon hoefleri Steindachner, 1881Glyphidodon hoefleri Steindachner, 1881Heliases bicolor Rochebrune, 1880Heliastes bicolor Rochebrune, 1880
Care
Abudefduf hoefleri is a hardy species that can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions. They are active swimmers and require a tank with plenty of open space for swimming as well as rockwork or coral for hiding and territorial purposes. They can be aggressive, especially towards conspecifics or smaller fish, so careful consideration should be given to tankmates and stocking density.
Reproduction
Like many damselfish, the West African Sergeant is an oviparous species with distinct pairing during breeding. Males prepare and guard nesting sites where females will lay eggs. The male then protects the eggs until they hatch, displaying high levels of parental care.
Habitat
The natural habitat of Abudefduf hoefleri includes rocky reefs and lagoons along the West African coast. They are typically found in shallow waters but can occur at depths up to 20 meters. Their geographical distribution spans from Senegal to Angola, including Cape Verde and the Gulf of Guinea islands.