Common name: Scissortail sergeant

General information

The Sergeant Major, scientifically known as Abudefduf sexfasciatus, is a small, robust damselfish that is popular among aquarists for its striking appearance and active behavior. It is characterized by its five black vertical stripes on a silver to yellowish background, which resemble military insignia, hence the common name 'Sergeant Major'.

This species is often found in shallow reefs and is known for its territorial behavior, especially during breeding season. It is a hardy fish that can adapt to various conditions, making it suitable for both novice and experienced hobbyists.

Care

Sergeant Majors are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and swimming space. They are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen and flake foods, but a diet rich in marine-based proteins and algae will promote optimal health and coloration.

While generally peaceful, they can become territorial and aggressive, particularly towards conspecifics and smaller fish, so careful consideration of tank mates is important.

Reproduction

In the wild, Sergeant Majors are known to lay their eggs in demarcated territories on flat surfaces, often in the lower parts of reefs. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding can occur, but raising the fry can be challenging due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.

Habitat

Sergeant Majors are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow lagoons to coral reefs, often in areas with strong water movement. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean.