Sergeant Major Damselfish (Abudefduf vaigiensis)

Fish in the family Pomacentridae. Beginner care. Reef Safe with Caution.

Sergeant Major Damselfish

Quick facts

Scientific nameAbudefduf vaigiensis
FamilyPomacentridae
Care levelBeginner
Reef safetyReef Safe with Caution
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
Dietomnivore
Adult size8.5 in
Minimum tank size30 gallons
Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
Feeding scheduleFeed 2-3 times daily

Appearance

The Sergeant Major Damselfish has a stocky, compressed body with bold vertical stripes—yellow-gold with dark blue or black bands. Adults display bright yellow dorsal and anal fins, creating a striking contrast against the striped body.

Difficulty and care for the Sergeant Major Damselfish

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia, including the Great Barrier Reef.

Log Sergeant Major Damselfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Sergeant Major Damselfish alongside everything else in your reef.