The Sergeant Major Fish (Abudefduf saxatilis) is a bold and active damselfish easily recognized by its silver-white body marked with five vertical black bars and a hint of yellow along the upper back. Growing up to about 6 to 8 inches, it’s named for its “rank-like” stripes resembling a military insignia. Commonly found in shallow reefs and lagoons across the Atlantic and Caribbean, this species is hardy and adaptable but can be territorial, especially as it matures. In aquariums, Sergeant Majors thrive in well-oxygenated water with plenty of swimming space and rockwork for shelter. While not reef-safe due to their aggressive nature and tendency to nip at smaller fish or corals, they make lively and eye-catching additions to larger fish-only systems.
The Sergeant Major Fish (Abudefduf saxatilis) is a bold and active damselfish easily recognized by its silver-white body marked with five vertical black bars and a hint of yellow along the upper back. Growing up to about 6 to 8 inches, it’s named for its “rank-like” stripes resembling a military insignia. Commonly found in shallow reefs and lagoons across the Atlantic and Caribbean, this species is hardy and adaptable but can be territorial, especially as it matures. In aquariums, Sergeant Majors thrive in well-oxygenated water with plenty of swimming space and rockwork for shelter. While not reef-safe due to their aggressive nature and tendency to nip at smaller fish or corals, they make lively and eye-catching additions to larger fish-only systems.
