Sergeant Major Damsel (Abudefduf Saxatilis)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : White, Yellow, Black

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 6"

Origin : Caribbean 

Family : Pomacentridae

Minimum Tank Size : 40 gallons

The Sergeant Major Damsel (Abudefduf Saxatilis) or Píntano is a species of damselfish. Sergeant Majors earn their name from its brightly striped sides, known as bars, which are reminiscent of the insignia of a military sergeant major.

This fish is white with a yellow top. It has 5 vertical stripes which are black. A faint sixth stripe might be present on the caudal peduncle. Adult males have a more bluish coloration and its stripes are less visible. There is a dark spot around its pectoral fin. Juveniles have similar coloring but with a little more yellow. Normally, they would grow up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in).

The Sergeant Major can be kept in a a fish only tank as well as a reef setting. The aquarium can be with or without corals but the fish will benefit from copepods present in reef tanks. The recommended minimum tank size is 40 gallons, but the more space they have, the better. Provide many hiding places for the aquarium. The longer they are in the aquarium the more territorial that they can become so it may be wise to add these fish towards the end of the stocking list.

A single specimen can be kept with other fish of similar size and temperament, or with semi-aggressive and larger fish. It is generally reef safe if kept with the right tank mates.

The Sergeant Major Damsels are omnivores. Provide variety in their diet that includes plenty of protein and vegetable foods. Feed them any type of prepared meaty or vegetable foods that are freeze dried, frozen, flake, or pellet. It is best to feed small amounts of food several times a day.