Sargent Major Damsel

Sargent Major Damsel has five distinct black bands that can be seen on the sides of this tiny, flat, oval-shaped reef fish.

When hidden in a cave or fissure, it transitions into its dark phase, with its body turning a darker grey-blue and practically blending in with its dark bars.

When in sandy areas and over reefs, it is typically silvery grey with a yellow shine along its upper sides.

Sergeant Majors got its name because they resemble military stripes, and gather in schools of hundreds to feed, but during spawning season, the male will vigorously guard his nest.

 The Sergeant Major Damsel is easy to find, reasonably priced, and hardy. It makes a wonderful fish for beginners and does need a larger tank than the smaller damsels.

 These fish are not picky eaters, so makes it even easier when in an aquarium.

II. You would love the fish because…

The stripes on a Sergeant Major, commonly known as a five-fingered or pilot fish, are meant to resemble the old military rank. Its body is compressed laterally, and its snout has a single nostril on either side.

 This damselfish is a little, round fish its color changes indicate what stage it is in. When young, it has five pronounced black vertical bars that shrink toward the belly and a greenish-yellow color at the top that fades to white below. The adult male, however, turns dark blue.

 Sergeant Major can be as long as nine inches.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

Peaceful fish when housed alone.

IV. Species compatibility

Angelfish, Tangs, and large Wrasses

V. How to feed this species?

This fish feeds on a variety of food like algae, small crustaceans, various invertebrate larvae, and fishes.