Saltwater Aquarium Guide: Sergeant Major Damsel (Abudefduf saxatillis)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
• Max Size: 6 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide: Sergeant Major Damsel (Abudefduf saxatillis)

Habitat:

The Sergeant Major Damsel is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. They inhabit coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky areas with plenty of hiding spots.

Reef Safe:

The Sergeant Major Damsel is considered reef-safe. They generally do not bother corals or other invertebrates, making them a suitable choice for reef aquariums.

Size:

The Sergeant Major Damsel can grow up to 6 inches long, although stay typically smaller in aquariums.

Temperament:

These damsels have a semi-aggressive temperament. They can be territorial and aggressive towards other fish, especially smaller or more passive species.

Sexual Dimorphism:

There is no significant difference in appearance between males and females of this species.

Lifespan:

The average lifespan of Sergeant Major Damsel is around 5-8 years in captivity, but with proper care, they can live even longer.

Diet:

In aquariums, Sergeant Major Damsel is an omnivore and will accept a variety of foods. Their diet should include high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. Providing a balanced diet to ensure their health and vitality is important.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

When setting up the aquarium for Sergeant Major Damsels, provide plenty of hiding spots using live rock or artificial structures. This will create territories and reduce aggression between fish. Include open swimming areas as well, as these fish like to explore their surroundings.

Captive Bred Availability:

The Sergeant Major Damsel is readily available as captive-bred specimens. Captive-bred fish are generally hardier and better adapted to aquarium life compared to wild-caught individuals.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals:

Sergeant Major Damsels can be kept with other semi-aggressive, aggressive fish species in larger aquariums. Avoid keeping them with very small or passive fish that may become targets of aggression. They are generally reef-safe and can be kept with corals and other invertebrates.

5 Recommended Tankmates:

1. Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) – They have similar care requirements and can establish a hierarchy with Sergeant Major Damsel.
2. Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) – Known for their vibrant colors, they can coexist with Sergeant Major Damsel in larger aquariums.
3. Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) – These peaceful fish can add movement and color to the tank without posing a threat to Sergeant Major Damsels.
4. Clownfish (Amphiprioninae) – Clownfish are known for their symbiotic relationship with anemones and can peacefully cohabit with the Sergeant Major Damsel.
5. Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) – These shrimp can help keep the tank clean and are compatible with the Sergeant Major Damsel.

Other Common Names:

The Sergeant Major Damsel may also be known as the Sergeant Major, Five Star Damsel, or Hawaiian Sergeant.

Why Buy from Reefs4Less.com:

Reefs4Less.com is a reputable online retailer specializing in saltwater aquarium supplies. They offer a wide selection of high-quality fish, corals, and invertebrates, including the Sergeant Major Damsel. With their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction, Reefs4Less.com ensures a seamless shopping experience for all saltwater aquarium enthusiasts.

Popular Questions and Answers:

Q: Can Sergeant Major Damsels be kept in a smaller tank?

A: While keeping a Sergeant Major Damsel in a smaller tank is possible, providing them with at least a 40-gallon tank is recommended for sufficient swimming space and territorial establishment.

Q: Are Sergeant Major Damsels suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, Sergeant Major Damsels are considered suitable for beginners due to their hardiness and ease of care. However, it is important to monitor their aggression and provide appropriate tankmates.

Q: Can Sergeant Major Damsels be kept in a reef tank?

A: Sergeant Major Damsels are generally considered reef-safe and can be kept in a reef tank. They are less likely to bother corals or other invertebrates.

Q: Do Sergeant Major Damsels require a specific lighting setup?

A: No, Sergeant Major Damsels do not have specific lighting requirements. They can thrive under standard aquarium lighting.

Q: Can Sergeant Major Damsels be kept as a single fish in an aquarium?

A: While Sergeant Major Damsels can be kept as a single fish, they are social and will often do better when kept in small groups. Introduce them simultaneously to reduce aggression.