Common name: Sergeant Major
General Information
The Sergeant Major, scientifically known as Abudefduf saxatilis, is a strikingly beautiful and active fish popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts. Recognizable by its bold black vertical stripes on a bright yellow body, this species adds a splash of color and energy to any tank. It is a member of the Pomacentridae family, which includes damselfish and clownfish.
In the wild, Sergeant Majors are commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters across the Atlantic Ocean, often inhabiting coral reefs, rocky shores, and lagoons. They are named "Sergeant Major" due to the resemblance of their stripes to the insignia of a military rank.
Details
- Estimated price
- Affordable
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult
- Diet
- Omnivore Feeds on algae, plankton, and small invertebrates
- Social
- School Forms schools in the wild, but can be territorial in captivity
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and invertebrates
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially towards smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
- IUCN Red List
- EXEWCRENVUNTLC
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusSergeant MajorAbudefduf
- SpeciesSergeant MajorAbudefduf saxatilis (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsAbudefduf ascensionis Fowler, 1919Abudefduf marginatus (Bloch, 1787)Abudefduf saxiatilis (Linnaeus, 1758)Abudefduf sexatilis (Linnaeus, 1758)Apogon quinquevittatus Blyth, 1858Chaetodon marginatus Bloch, 1787Chaetodon mauritii Bloch, 1787Chaetodon sargoides Lacepède, 1802Chaetodon saxatilis Linnaeus, 1758Glyphidodon saxatilis (Linnaeus, 1758)Glyphisodon biniar Montrouzier, 1857Glyphisodon moucharra Lacepède, 1802Sparus fasciatus Gronow in Gray, 1854
- Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Care
Sergeant Majors are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for hobbyists with moderate experience. They thrive in well-established marine aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. These fish are known for their territorial nature, especially as they mature, and require ample space to establish their domain.
Diet and Feeding
In their natural habitat, Sergeant Majors are omnivorous, feeding on algae, plankton, and small invertebrates. In captivity, they should be provided with a varied diet that includes high-quality marine flakes or pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. Feeding them twice daily in moderate portions is recommended to maintain their health and vibrant coloration.
Behavior and Compatibility
Sergeant Majors are known for their semi-aggressive behavior, particularly towards smaller or similarly sized fish. They are best kept with other robust species that can hold their own. These fish are often observed displaying interesting social behaviors, such as forming schools or defending their territory vigorously.
While they can coexist with a variety of tank mates, caution is advised when introducing them to a community aquarium due to their territorial nature. They are not considered reef-safe as they may nip at corals and invertebrates.
Reproduction
Breeding Sergeant Majors in captivity can be challenging due to their aggressive behavior and specific spawning requirements. In the wild, males prepare and guard nesting sites, often on rocky surfaces, where females lay eggs. The male then fertilizes and protects the eggs until they hatch, displaying remarkable parental care.
Health and Common Issues
Sergeant Majors are generally robust and can live for several years with proper care. Maintaining good water quality and a balanced diet is crucial for their health. They are susceptible to common marine diseases like ich and marine velvet, so regular monitoring and quarantine of new tank additions are essential.
Habitat
Sergeant Majors are native to the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to the western coast of Africa. They are typically found in shallow waters, often near coral reefs or rocky outcrops where they can find food and shelter. To replicate their natural environment in captivity, provide a tank with plenty of live rock structures and open swimming space.