How to Identify Scissortail sergeant

To identify Scissortail sergeant (Abudefduf sexfasciatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults typically have a silvery-white to pale blue body with five prominent black vertical bands on the flanks. A sixth black band is present at the base of the caudal fin, extending onto the upper and lower lobes of the deeply forked tail, giving it a 'scissortail' appearance. Juveniles may have a more yellowish hue.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Five distinct black vertical bands on the body, Sixth black band at the caudal peduncle extending onto the caudal fin lobes, Deeply forked caudal fin, Relatively small mouth

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 13 spines and 12-14 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with the upper and lower lobes often tipped with black, forming a 'scissortail' pattern.

Pectoral fin

Transparent to slightly yellowish, rounded.

Distinctive fins

The caudal fin's deeply forked shape and the black bands extending onto its lobes are highly distinctive.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Bands

   Count the five distinct black vertical bands on the body and the sixth band at the base of the tail.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin

   Observe the deeply forked caudal fin with the black bands extending onto its upper and lower lobes, creating a 'scissortail' effect.

3. 3

   Size

   Adults typically reach a maximum length of about 22 cm (8.7 inches).

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