Sergeant Major and Similar Species
Abudefduf vaigiensis
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Sergeant Major. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Striped Sergeant
Abudefduf saxatilis
Key differences: A. saxatilis is found in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, whereas A. vaigiensis is Indo-Pacific. Morphologically, A. saxatilis typically has 5 distinct black bars that extend onto the dorsal and anal fins, and its body is generally more silvery-white without the yellowish tint often seen in A. vaigiensis.
Blackspot Sergeant
Abudefduf sordidus
Key differences: A. sordidus has a more elongated body shape and typically possesses a distinct black spot at the base of the pectoral fin, which is absent in A. vaigiensis. The bars on A. sordidus are also often less distinct and more irregular.
Scissortail Sergeant
Abudefduf sexfasciatus
Key differences: A. sexfasciatus has 6 distinct black bars, and its caudal fin lobes are often tipped with black, giving it a 'scissortail' appearance. A. vaigiensis typically has 5-7 bars, and its caudal fin is usually uniformly yellowish or clear without prominent black tips on the lobes.
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