Abudefduf sexfasciatus (Lacepède, 1801)
Scissortail sergeant
Abudefduf sexfasciatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Glyphisodontinae
Max. size:  19 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Pinda, Mozambique (Ref. 4391) and the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands. Not recorded from the Hawaiian Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-16; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Description: Head and body white, vertical bars five dark broad (Ref. 90102). Dark longitudinal band on each caudal lobe (Ref. 1602). Body depth 1.7-1.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults inhabit inshore and offshore coral or rocky reefs. Also in shallow coastal reef flats or crests, usually where lots of tall soft corals or hydroid colonies are present (Ref. 48636). Often found in groups feeding at midwater or tending nests among rocks and coral ledges (Ref. 90102). Feed on zooplankton and algae and aggregates high in the water column (Ref. 9710). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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