Common name: False-eye sergeant

General information

The Sergeant Major, scientifically known as Abudefduf sparoides, is a striking damselfish species recognized for its bold black vertical stripes on a silver to yellowish background. This species is named for the five black 'sergeant' stripes that resemble military insignia. Sergeant Majors are quite hardy and can be a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists who appreciate active and robust fish in their marine aquariums.

Care

Sergeant Majors are relatively easy to care for but can be territorial, especially as they mature. They thrive in aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces to establish territories. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and high-quality marine flake or pellet food will help maintain their health and coloration. It's important to monitor aggression levels, particularly in smaller tanks or with more passive tankmates.

Reproduction

In the wild, Sergeant Majors are known to form large aggregations during spawning where males fiercely defend their nesting sites. In the aquarium, breeding is less common but possible. Males will clean a flat surface where females lay eggs, which the males then fertilize and guard until they hatch.

Habitat

Sergeant Majors are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deeper rocky outcrops. They are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, often seen in groups swimming actively above the reef or amongst the rocks.