Species learning profile
Sergeant major
Abudefduf saxatilis
Sergeant major (Abudefduf saxatilis) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Atlantic. Five bold black bars inspired its military common name.
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At a glance
- Água
- Água salgada
- Habitat
- Recife
- Comprimento máximo
- 23 cm
- Distribuição
- Atlântico
- Família
- Pomacentridae
- Ordem
- Perciformes
Observe
How to identify Sergeant major
- Five bold black bars inspired its military common name.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Atlantic.
- Reported maximum length: 23 cm — roughly ruler-length. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Atlantic. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Schools above reefs; males guard purple egg patches
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Plankton, algae, and small crustaceans.
Ecological role
Links plankton to reef predators.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Sergeant major pode chegar a cerca de 23 cm e costuma viver perto de Recife.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Sergeant major in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections