Abudefduf saxatilis

Sergeant Major- Abudefduf saxatilis

Habitat Reef associated

Range Strictly an Atlantic species in many regions such as south coast of the United States, Central America, eastern South America, and western Africa.

Description Large colorful damselfish with five vertical black bars that narrow toward the belly. Adult male is dark blue with the black bars less visible on the body.

Ecological Notes Popular aquarium fish but becomes territorial with age which could create a problem if not closely watched. Should not be kept with others of the same species.

Personal Information When we went to the North Carolina Aquariums I spotted this damselfish swimming around as if to want attention from the people around the tank. Once more people settled in front of the tank with the damselfish it began to swim around more often than it was before anyone was around!

Journal Articles To read more about Abudefduf saxatilis and how it uses the auditory brainstem response to navigate in the water please see:

 Egner, Sarah and David A. Mann. Auditory sensitivity of sergeant major damselfish Abudefduf saxatilis from post-settlement juvenile to adult. Marine Ecology Progress Series. Volume 285, pg.213-222. Jan. 19, 2005.

To read about lunar reproductive patterns of Caribbean and Pacific sergeant major damselfishes please see:

 Foster, S.A. Diel and lunar patterns of reproduction in the Caribbean and Pacific sergeant major damselfishes A budefduf saxatilis and A. troschelii. Marine Biology. Volume 95,Number 3, 1987.

Information obtained from: Frose, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2010.FishBase. worldwide web electonic publication. (3/20/2010).

Contributed by Ta'Lissa Wright - 2010

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