Fin's Fish Guide
The Panama sergeant major (Abudefduf troschelii) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru and the oceanic islands.
Description
The Panamic sergeant major is a damselfish of the family Pomacentridae from the eastern Pacific. The species has a deep, silvery-yellow body with five dark vertical bars, the so-called sergeant stripes, and reaches about 20 cm. It inhabits rocky and coral reefs, often in large aggregations, and feeds by day on plankton in the water column, supplemented with benthic invertebrates and algae. In the breeding season a pair forms and the male guards the demersal eggs that adhere to the substrate. Juveniles sometimes pick parasites from other fishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Panama sergeant major?
The Panama sergeant major has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Five dark 'sergeant stripes'; the male guards the demersal eggs; juveniles sometimes clean other fishes.
Where does the Panama sergeant major live?
The Panama sergeant major lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru and the oceanic islands.
How big does the Panama sergeant major get?
The Panama sergeant major grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Panama sergeant major dangerous to humans?
No, the Panama sergeant major is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Panama sergeant major edible?
The Panama sergeant major is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Abudefduf
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Panama sergeant major?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Panama sergeant major is one of 12,519 species in the app.