Fin's Fish Guide
The Common sergeant (Abudefduf vaigiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Indo-Pacific sergeant is a damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, silvery-white body with five black crossbars and a yellow wash over the back, to which the name 'sergeant' refers. Adults live along the upper edge of outer reef slopes and on inshore rocky reefs, while juveniles stay among drifting seaweed. They often live in loose schools and feed on zooplankton, benthic algae and small invertebrates. The male guards the eggs laid on the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common sergeant?
The Common sergeant has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Five black vertical bars with a yellow tinge on the back; the male guards the brood on the bottom. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Common sergeant live?
The Common sergeant lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; outer reef slopes and coastal rocky reefs.
How big does the Common sergeant get?
The Common sergeant grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Common sergeant dangerous to humans?
The Common sergeant is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common sergeant edible?
The Common sergeant is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common sergeant and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Abudefduf
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Common sergeant?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common sergeant is one of 12,519 species in the app.