Creature Feature – Scissortail Sergeant
This week we’re showcasing the scissortail sergeant. The scissortail sergeant belongs to the family of damselfish, and they get their name from the black lines that extend across the superior and inferior lobes of their tails. This species typically inhabits inshore and offshore coral and rocky reefs where it is found in depths of 1m to 15m. Like some other fish species, male scissortail sergeants are in charge of parental care. This species is popular in the aquarium trade however in these confines, they can be very territorial.
Taxonomy
Scientific Name: Abudefduf sexfasciatus
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Abudefduf
Scissortail Sergeant Fact File
Size: Individuals grow to a length of around 16cm
Distribution: This species occurs in tropical and temperate marine waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Tuamoto Islands
Diet: Their diet is varied and comprises of algae, zooplankton, small fish, and crustaceans
Behaviour: Adults live in coral reefs while younger individuals live in the open sea. Like some other fish species, male scissortail sergeants are in charge of parental care
IUCN Status: Least Concern. It is common in the Indo-Pacific region with no known major threats
