Common name: Sergeant major

General information

The Sergeant Major, scientifically known as Abudefduf saxatilis, is a species of damselfish that is easily recognizable by its five black vertical stripes on a yellowish to bluish-grey background. This fish is named after the military rank due to the stripes resembling the insignia of a Sergeant Major. They are a popular choice among aquarists for their hardiness and adaptability to aquarium life.

Care

Sergeant Majors are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced hobbyists. They are active swimmers and require an aquarium with plenty of open space as well as rockwork or coral for hiding and grazing. They can be territorial, especially during breeding, so it's important to provide adequate space for each individual.

Reproduction

In the wild, Sergeant Majors lay their eggs in demarcated territories on the substrate, which are then fiercely guarded by the male until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can occur but requires a well-established system and careful attention to water quality and diet.

Habitat

Sergeant Majors are found in a variety of shallow marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky coasts, and seagrass beds. They are widely distributed across the Atlantic Ocean, from the coast of Massachusetts, USA, to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.