Scissortail Sergeant
Abudefduf sexfasciatus
Also known as: Scissortail Sergeant Major, Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Six-banded Sergeant Major, Six-barred Sergeant Major, Striptail Damselfish, Stripe-tailed Damselfish
- Scissortail Sergeant Major
- Sergeant
- Sergeant Major
- Six-banded Sergeant Major
- Six-barred Sergeant Major
- Striptail Damselfish
- Stripe-tailed Damselfish
Overview
Found in schools, close to tall soft corals and hydroid colonies, over shallow, reef crests and flats, of fringing inshore and offshore rocky reefs, rich in coral growth.
They are often found feeding high in the water column, on algae and zooplankton.
Damselfish are egg layers.
First they clear a site ready for a nest, then engage in a mating dance with rapid swimming and fin movements, during this time the males will often turn a shade or two darker and may display white blotches. Spawning occurs at dawn.
How to identify
- Pattern
- stripes
- Fins & Tail
- tail stripes
- Behaviour
- open waterschooling
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Exact location · 8
- Country only · 31
Found in schools, close to tall soft corals and hydroid colonies, over shallow, reef crests and flats, of fringing inshore and offshore rocky reefs, rich in coral growth.
Adult photos 39
Discussion
No comments yet. Seen one, or got a question about it? Start the discussion.
Deep dive
More in the family
Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)

Acapulco Major
Stegastes acapulcoensis
2 photos

Alexander's Damsel
Pomacentrus alexanderae
1 photo

Ambon Chromis
Pycnochromis amboinensis
4 photos

Ambon Damsel
Pomacentrus amboinensis
14 photos

Arabian Chromis
Chromis flavaxilla
4 photos

Australian Gregory
Plectroglyphidodon apicalis
4 photos

Azores Chromis
Chromis limbata
2 photos
Azure Demoiselle
Chrysiptera hemicyanea
0 photos

Baensch's Damsel
Pomacentrus baenschi
1 photo

Banded Damsel
Dischistodus fasciatus
2 photos

Banded Sergeant
Abudefduf septemfasciatus
11 photos

Barberi Clownfish
Amphiprion barberi
23 photos