©Andy: A school of Sergeant Major over Acropora coral. The fish in the upper right are Blackaxil Pullers.
Colours
Distinguishing features
A small fish with a pale, laterally compressed body, a series of vertical black stripes on the flanks, and black bars on the tail. Distinguish from the closely related A. bengalensis by the black on the tail, and from A. vaigiensis by the absence of any yellow on the upper flank.
Size
- Up to 17 cm (Standard length)
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
Areas of rich coral growth in with good current flow. Generally seen more commonly in shallow lagoonal and backreef habitats.
Found in most locations around the Island.
Behaviour
The Scissor-tail Sergeant is a common plankton feeding damselfish found near coral rich areas. They aggregate in loose schools to feed, taking planktonic crustaceans and drift algae. Reproduction occurs over the summer months, and males maintain a benthic nest site where multiple females may deposit eggs. Spawning fish often assume a different colour pattern, and engage in elaborate swimming displays in front of the nest site.
Web resources
References
- Manica, A. (2003). The effect of brood size and age on partial filial cannibalism in the scissortail sergeant, Journal of Fish Biology, 63: 37-47. LIRS catalog number 90082.
- Pratchett, M.S., N. Gust, G. Goby and S.O. Klanten (2001). Consumption of coral propagules represents a significant trophic link between corals and reef fish, Coral Reefs, 20: 13-17. LIRS catalog number 676.