Reeflings

Common name: spot pom

Scientific name: Abudefduf sordidus (Forsskål, 1775)

General information

The Blackspot Sergeant, scientifically known as Abudefduf sordidus, is a species of damselfish that is recognized by its distinctive black spots and aggressive territorial behavior. It is a hardy fish that adapts 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
20 cm (8″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Adaptable to aquarium life
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae
Social
School Best in groups
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at small fish
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perciformes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Damselfish
    Pomacentridae
  6. Genus
    Sergeant Major
    Abudefduf
  7. Species
    spot pom
    Abudefduf sordidus (Forsskål, 1775)
  8. Synonyms
    Abudefduf tridentatus Clark, 1938
    Chaetodon sordidus Forsskål, 1775
    Glyphidodon adenensis Günther, 1867
    Glyphidodon leucopleura Day, 1877
    Glyphisodon geant Liénard, 1829
    Glyphisodon gigas Allen, 1991
    Glyphisodon gigas Liénard, 1839

Care

Blackspot Sergeants are relatively easy to care for. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. These fish are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live meaty foods. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable conditions to keep them healthy.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blackspot Sergeants are known to form breeding pairs or small groups. They lay their eggs on substrates, which are then guarded 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

Blackspot Sergeants are found in a variety of reef environments, from shallow lagoons to deeper waters. They are commonly seen in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the central Pacific Ocean. In the wild, they are often found in association with coral rubble or live rock where they can establish territories.