Common name: Night sergeant

General information

The Sergeant Major, scientifically known as Abudefduf taurus, is a vibrant and active fish that is popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. This species is known for its distinctive five vertical black bars on a silver to yellowish background, which resemble military insignia, hence the name 'Sergeant Major'. They are a part of the Pomacentridae family, which also includes damselfishes and clownfishes.

Care

Sergeant Majors are relatively hardy and can adapt to a variety of aquarium conditions, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of rockwork and swimming space. It's important to maintain good water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy. They are omnivorous and will accept a wide range of foods, including frozen, live, and flake foods.

Reproduction

In the wild, Sergeant Majors are known to form large aggregations during breeding. Males become territorial and prepare a flat surface where females will lay their eggs. The male then guards and tends to the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding Sergeant Majors can be challenging, but providing the right environment and diet can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Sergeant Majors are found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky coastlines, and seagrass beds. They are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These fish are often seen in shallow waters but can be found at depths of up to 20 meters.