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sergeant major

✓ Abudefduf saxatilis
  • Abudefduf ascensionis
  • Abudefduf coelestinus
Abudefduf ascensionis
  • Abudefduf ascensionis
  • Abudefduf coelestinus
Family Pomacentridae
Genus Abudefduf
IUCN category (World) LC
Abudefduf saxatilis Abudefduf saxatilis
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Introduction

Descriptor : Linné, 1758

Abudefduf saxatilis, more commonly known as sergeant major, is a tropical fish native to the western tropical Atlantic Ocean. It is also found in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is closely related to Abudefduf sexfasciatus and Abudefduf vaigiensis which replace it in the Indo-Pacific region.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    15 cm
  • Maximum size
    22 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year
  • Shape
    Ovoid
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes
  • Average size
    15 cm
  • Maximum size
    22 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year
  • Shape
    Ovoid
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes

How to recognize This fish ?

The sergeant major is tricolored with a predominantly blue, black, and white body. It is covered in black vertical stripes.

This species is always born male. As they grow, individuals will change sex to become female, a phenomenon known as protandrous successive hermaphroditism.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are difficult to differentiate.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living in small groups
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The sergeant major is a fish that lives in large loose groups. It is an energetic swimmer that mostly stays near reefs.

Despite being gregarious, this fish is very territorial and can become aggressive towards other territorial species. During the breeding season, it fiercely defends its territory, sometimes causing injuries to any fish that poses a threat to its future offspring. It can also be aggressive towards its own kind.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
  • Hermaphrodite
    protandric

The sergeant major is an oviparous fish that spawns on exposed substrate.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Origin and distribution

Natural range
Invasive range
Mixed / unknown area

Geographic distribution & Conservation

This species lives in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. In the western region, it can be found from the United States (North Carolina) to Brazil, including the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and oceanic islands (Bermuda, Bahamas, Trinidad, etc.). In the eastern region, it is present from the Cape Verde islands to Angola, including central Atlantic Oceanic islands. It is replaced in the Indo-Pacific region by two closely related species: Abudefduf vaigiensis and Abudefduf sexfasciatus.

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC
France : LC

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de Lyon La Cité de la Mer Oniria

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • Depth
    0 - 15 m
  • Flow
    Strong and Medium

Biotope presentation

The sergeant major is most commonly found at depths less than 15m. However, it can also be found at other depths. It roams the reefs in search of food.

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    600 liters
  • Population min
    2
  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    easy
  • Robustness
    robust
  • Behaviour
    very aggressive
  • Availability
    rare

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

The realization of a seawater aquarium requires certain knowledge beforehand. Seawater is generally synthetic, consisting of reverse osmosis water and synthetic salt at a level of 33g / liters. It is also possible to take seawater directly (after making sure that the water is not polluted). The operation of a seawater aquarium is done in three phases: the installation of a living stone decoration, the introduction of invertebrates one month later, and the introduction of fish 3 months later. It is essential to wait as long as possible before to introduce the animals so that the micro-fauna has had time to develop well. The balance and the physico-chemical stability are fundamental for the success of this type of tank.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the sergeant major

The sergeant major is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 26 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.

Breeding this species is accessible to any hobbyist. It is recommended to follow some basic rules and to be rigorous to achieve a good maintenance.

This species is very rare in the aquarium trade. Instead, it is maintained by knowledgeable aquarists who own and breed individuals from wild origin strains. If you want to get this species, we advise you to contact specialized clubs. }Specimens from long time breeding are a bit easier to breed but you have to respect the particular water parameters.

Cohabitation & Environment

Being a living in small groups fish, it is advisable to install at least 2 individuals in an aquarium of 600 liters minimum (for 150 cm of frontage). Group maintenance is a prerequisite to ensure their well-being. Lonely individuals tend to quickly become stressed and become especially susceptible to disease.

The sergeant major has a very strong character. Few neighbors are able to stand up to it.

Its maintenance with other territorial species is very risky and has great chances to lead to drama. The choice of possible cohabitants must therefore be carefully considered and only in an appropriate context (large volume, refuges...).

The maintenance with conspecifics can also be complicated.

As previously said, The sergeant major is a species that lives naturally in the current. Thus, we advise the installation of an oversized filtration system (10 to 20 times the volume of the tank) in order to guarantee a strong current and especially a strong oxygenation. A venturi system will improve the dissolved oxygen rate during summer.

Tips for feeding

The sergeant major is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.

Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.

Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.

Reproduction protocol

  • egg-laying protection
    Yes

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

These animals might interest you

To go further

Species of the same family

Espèces du même genre

To read on the web

BioObs fishbase EOL

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Marine Kassel

Marine Kassel

Bibliographic references

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 12/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de Lyon La Cité de la Mer Oniria

Scientific partners

UICN France fishbase fishbase Worms BioObs

Tags

#Pomacentridae

#Abudefduf

#barrière de corail

#lagon

#Caribbean Sea

#Atlantic Ocean: North Coast of Brazil

#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Angulhas

#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Bengala

#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Golfe de guinée

#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Transition & Cap Vert

#Saint Helena

#Northwest warm temperate Atlantic Ocean

#Eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean

#Southwest Tropical Atlantic Ocean

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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