Common name: Scissortail Sergeant

General Information

The Scissortail Sergeant, scientifically known as Abudefduf sexfasciatus, is a striking and hardy fish that has found its way into many marine aquariums due to its vibrant appearance and ease of care. This species is characterized by its distinctive pattern of six vertical black bars over a silvery-white body with a hint of yellow, making it a visually appealing addition to any tank.

This fish belongs to the damselfish family and is often seen in large schools in the wild, making it a popular choice for aquarists who enjoy observing natural schooling behavior. Its resilience and adaptability make it an excellent candidate for beginner hobbyists.

Care

The Scissortail Sergeant is known for its robust nature and can thrive in a variety of tank conditions, making it suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. A tank with a minimum volume of 200 liters is recommended to accommodate their active swimming and schooling behavior. They prefer aquariums with ample open space for swimming as well as some hiding spots created with live rock.

To maintain their vibrant colors and health, stable water conditions are crucial, with regular monitoring of parameters such as temperature, salinity, and pH. Incorporating a moderate current in the tank can mimic their natural environment and promote activity.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Scissortail Sergeants are omnivorous, feeding on a mixture of algae and small invertebrates. In captivity, they should be provided with a varied diet that includes high-quality marine flakes or pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.

Feeding should occur once or twice a day, ensuring that portions are appropriate to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Their diet can also be enriched with spirulina or other algae-based foods to support their nutritional needs.

Behavior and Compatibility

Scissortail Sergeants are generally semi-aggressive, especially when establishing territory or during breeding periods. They can be kept in community tanks but are best housed with similarly sized or larger fish to avoid bullying smaller, more timid species.

These fish are known for their schooling behavior, which can be quite a spectacle in larger tanks. Keeping them in groups of at least five individuals can help reduce aggression and promote natural behaviors. However, care should be taken to provide enough space to prevent territorial disputes.

Reproduction

Breeding Scissortail Sergeants in captivity can be challenging but not impossible. They are egg layers, and the male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. Providing a suitable spawning site, such as a flat rock surface, can encourage breeding behavior.

Habitat

The Scissortail Sergeant is native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in coral reefs and lagoons. They inhabit areas with plenty of open swimming space and moderate water flow, often seen in large schools near the surface.