Como identificar Sergeant Major

Para identificar Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

Adults typically exhibit a silvery-white to yellowish body with five prominent, dark vertical bands. The caudal fin is often dusky or yellowish. During breeding, males can display a more intense bluish-purple coloration, especially on the head and anterior body, with the bands becoming less distinct or fading.

Tipo de escama

ctenoid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Five distinct dark vertical bands on a lighter body., Deeply forked caudal fin., Small, terminal mouth., Relatively large eyes.

Nadadeira dorsal

Single dorsal fin with 13 spines and 12-13 soft rays. The spinous and soft-rayed portions are continuous.

Nadadeira caudal

Deeply forked caudal fin, often with dusky or yellowish coloration.

Nadadeira peitoral

Large, rounded pectoral fins, typically clear or slightly yellowish.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are located directly below the pectoral fins and are generally clear to dusky.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Vertical Bands

   The most defining characteristic is the presence of five prominent, dark vertical bands across its silvery-white to yellowish body. These bands are usually distinct and extend from the dorsal to the ventral side.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Possesses a deep, compressed body typical of damselfishes, with a relatively small head and a deeply forked tail.

3. 3

   Size

   Adults typically reach a maximum standard length of about 20-25 cm (8-10 inches), though most commonly observed specimens are smaller, around 10-15 cm (4-6 inches).

4. 4

   Behavior

   Often seen in active schools, particularly around reef crests and shallow rocky areas. They are quite bold and can be observed feeding on algae and plankton in open water.

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