Abudefduf vaigiensis (Indo-pacific sergeant)

Identification

Grey color with 5 black till blue/purple bars (including the bar at the tail base). Usually with a yellow back.

Status

Common.

Habitat

Red Sea and Eastern Africa, in French Polynesia and from Northern Japan till the south of Australia. Often confused with the closely related Atlantic species Abudefduf saxatilis. Replaced by Abudefduf abdominalis in the Hawaiian Islands. Adults inhabit upper edge of outer reef slopes and inshore rocky reefs. Juveniles associated with drifting seaweed. Found in a depth range of 1-15 meters.

Reproduction

Often in aggregations, in large numbers at spawning sites that are timed with large tides that carry their pelagic offspring far offshore. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate the eggs.

[one_third_last padding=”0 0 0 10px”]
Size

Up to 19cm, but normally half that.

Prey / Predation

Feeds on zooplankon and benthic algae, also on small invertebrates.

Special features

It is said to be poisonous when eaten.

[/one_third_last]