Archives
Night Sergeant
(Abudefduf taurus)
Abudefduf taurus, commonly known as the Indo-Pacific sergeant or taurus sergeant, is a species of damselfish found in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Here’s a description of Abudefduf taurus:
- Appearance:
- Body: The taurus sergeant has a typical damselfish body shape, compressed laterally and oval in profile.
- Coloration: Juveniles and females are generally yellow with a dark spot on the upper back and a broad black vertical band through the eye. Males, especially during breeding season, may have a deeper yellow coloration with blue lines or markings on the body and fins.
- Size: They typically grow to about 5 inches (12 cm) in length.
- Habitat:
- Abudefduf taurus inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and lagoons with plenty of hiding places among crevices and coral heads. They prefer shallow waters with abundant coral growth.
- Behavior:
- They are typically found in small groups or pairs, and juveniles may form larger schools for protection.
- Taurus sergeants are omnivorous, feeding on algae, small crustaceans, and other planktonic organisms.