How to Identify Panamic Sergeant Major

To identify Panamic Sergeant Major (Abudefduf concolor), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically dark brown to black, often appearing almost uniformly dark, especially during breeding. Juveniles and non-breeding adults may show faint vertical bars (usually 5-7) on a lighter brownish-gray body. The fins are generally dark, matching the body color. During breeding, males can become intensely dark, almost velvety black.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, compressed body, Small mouth with conical teeth, Continuous dorsal fin, Forked caudal fin, Dark, often uniform coloration in adults, especially breeding males

Dorsal fin

Single, continuous dorsal fin with 13 spines and 12-13 soft rays.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, clear to dusky pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 spines and 12-13 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the overall dark brown to black body color in adults. Juveniles may have faint vertical bars, but these are less prominent than in other sergeant major species.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its deep, compressed body is characteristic of damselfishes. It is more robust than some other Abudefduf species.

3. 3

   Fin Count

   Counting dorsal fin spines (13) and soft rays (12-13) can help differentiate it from similar species, though this requires close observation.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Its presence in the eastern Pacific, particularly in rocky reef environments, is a key indicator.

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