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Indo-Pacific sergeant (Abudefduf vaigiensis)

Photo of Indo-Pacific sergeant (Abudefduf vaigiensis)

Key facts

Scientific name
Abudefduf vaigiensis
Common name
Indo-Pacific sergeant
Category
Fish
Family
Pomacentridae
Genus
Abudefduf
Size
15–20 cm
Depth
0–12 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
reef, rocky
Behaviours
schooling, territorial
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Abudefduf vaigiensis reaches 20 cm, Indo-Pacific cousin of A. saxatilis. Stocky yellow-green body with silver belly and 5 characteristic vertical black bars. Forms dense schools on shallow reefs, harbors and Indo-Pacific drop-offs down to 12 m. Males territorial during breeding, defending adhesive egg nests on rocks which they actively guard. Omnivorous. From the Red Sea to Polynesia.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Indo-Pacific sergeant?
Indo-Pacific sergeant (Abudefduf vaigiensis) reaches 15–20 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Indo-Pacific sergeant?
Indo-Pacific sergeant is found between 0–12 m deep.
Is the Indo-Pacific sergeant dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Indo-Pacific sergeant?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Indo-Pacific sergeant?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Abudefduf

  • Abudefduf luridus - Canary damsel
  • Abudefduf troschelii - Panamic sergeant major
  • Abudefduf concolor - Unicolored Sergeant Major
  • Abudefduf saxatilis - Sergeant major (Atlantic)

Other species in the family Pomacentridae

  • Chromis chromis - Mediterranean damselfish
  • Amphiprion bicinctus - Two-band anemonefish
  • Amphiprion ocellaris - False clownfish
  • Chromis cyanea - Blue chromis
  • Stegastes partitus - Bicolor damselfish
  • Amphiprion akallopisos - Skunk clownfish

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 212879)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2398634)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia