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Marine   Fishes

Sergeant major fish
(Abudefduf saxatilis)

Sergeant major fish

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

  • None (for the moment!)

Names

Scientific name
Abudefduf saxatilis
Abudefduf ascensionis
Abudefduf marginatus
Glyphisodon moucharra
Glyphidodon saxatilis
Chaetodon saxatilis
Chaetodon marginatus
Chaetodon mauritii

Common name
Sergeant major fish
Píntano

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Caribbean, Florida
Natural habitat: found up to 15 meters / 50 feet deep

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

None

Group

Group

Pomacentridae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

600 L / 132 Imp Gal / 158 US Gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 23 to 24°C or 73 to 75°F
pH: 8.1 to 8.3
Density: 1021 to 1024

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

15 to 22cm (5.9 to 8.7")

Longevity

what is the average life expectancy of this fish?

7 to 10 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle and depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

5

Food

How to feed the Sergeant major fish?

Food

How to feed the Sergeant major fish?

The diet of this omnivorous fish must consist of meat and vegetable food. For the meat part, offer krill, mysis, artemia, cyclopses, small shrimps... The vegetable part will be provided by the contribution of spirulina.

Note that a varied, regular and abundant diet reduces the aggressiveness of individuals.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Sergeant major fish have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Sergeant major fish have?

This species is active, territorial and aggressive (especially during the reproduction period when it becomes aggressive even towards its congeners). It should be noted that this bad temper gets worse with time. Far from being shy, you will be able to see them evolve in the aquarium without difficulty. At night, they like to take refuge in caves among the rocks to rest.

Very gregarious, they live in the wild in large groups. In captivity, it will need at least 5 congeners to feel at ease in its environment.

Abudefduf groupe

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Sergeant major fish?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Sergeant major fish?

This fish can be extremely aggressive towards other species. A specific aquarium is preferable.

Community aquarium maintenance cannot be envisaged in very large aquariums and by respecting a few rules. For example, avoid associating them with other species that are too territorial, otherwise conflicts may arise. It is also useless to associate them with calm or shy species. Finally, beware of small fish that may end up as a meal...

Breeding

How to breed the Sergeant major fish?

Breeding

How to breed the Sergeant major fish?

There is no particular season for the reproduction of this species. Reproduction is not done in pairs but the male reproduces with several consecutive females.

The male cleans the nesting surface (a flat rock for example) and attracts the female to it. The female lays her eggs there and the male fertilizes them in between. It is the male who guards the eggs fiercely and takes care of them (ventilation). On this occasion, he changes colour to dark blue. Incubation lasts 6 to 7 days.

Interesting fact: at birth, the young fish are always male. When they grow up, some will become females!

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Sergeant major fish?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Sergeant major fish?

To calm down its aggressive temperament a little, plan a large aquarium in which it can exercise itself. For decoration, set up numerous hiding places in the rocks.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

There are species that are very close in physical proximity and with which it can be confused:
- Abudefduf sexfasciatus: very pronounced black bands on the tail fin.
- Abudefduf vaigiensis
- Abudefduf septemfasciatus: number of black stripes (Abudefduf saxatilis has 5 vs. 6 or 7 in septemfasciatus)
- Abudefduf sordidus: black spot on caudal peduncle


  • Abudefduf saxatilis difference
    Abudefduf saxatilis difference

This fish is very robust and can be kept by beginner aquarists without any health problems. Far from being shy, they do not shy away easily at the sight of divers in their natural environment. On the contrary, they sometimes get close to it!

Tip: it can be quite difficult to find this fish in the classic aquarium trade. If you want to get some, get in touch with specialized clubs. In addition, you will be able to benefit from the advice of the breeders on their maintenance!

Its common name of "sergeant major" comes from its vertical stripes recalling the military rank of sergeant major.

There are more than 370 species of damselfish!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Yours photos!

Image utilisateur

By Encyclo-Caro

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