Scissortail sergeant – Abudefduf sexfasciatus

The Scissortail Sergeant, Abudefduf sexfasciatus, is a vibrant and active fish species known for its striking appearance and intriguing behavior.

Description & Characteristics

The Scissortail Sergeant, Abudefduf sexfasciatus, is easily recognizable due to its distinctive black and white banded pattern. It can reach a maximum size of 19.0 cm and is commonly found in tropical marine waters. This species exhibits a striking contrast between its dark body and the bright white bands that adorn its flanks, giving it a striking, almost geometric appearance. The Scissortail Sergeant boasts a unique, elongated dorsal fin that resembles a pair of scissors when the fish is in a defensive position. It is this distinctive fin that gives the species its common name. The fish’s body is compressed laterally, meaning it is flattened from side to side, a typical characteristic of many reef-dwelling fish.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Scissortail Sergeant, Abudefduf sexfasciatus, is a common inhabitant of tropical coral reefs, often seen darting amongst the intricate structures and vibrant life of these underwater ecosystems. They are typically found in shallow waters, ranging in depth from 1.0 to 20.0 meters, and are frequently observed in lagoons and coastal reefs. Due to their preference for these environments, they are classified as inhabiting the neritic zone, the marine area extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

The species Abudefduf sexfasciatus belongs to the Order: Perciformes, which is the largest order of fish, and Family: Pomacentridae, commonly known as the damselfish family. These fish are characterized by their small to medium size, their often bright colors, and their territorial behavior. They are typically found in warm, shallow waters around coral reefs.

Feeding

The Scissortail Sergeant, Abudefduf sexfasciatus, is an omnivorous species with a varied diet. It mainly feeds on algae, a significant component of its diet, but also enjoys a variety of other food sources, including brine shrimp, flakes, frozen food (especially larger varieties), mysis, and zooplankton. This versatile diet reflects their adaptability to different environments and food availability.