Sergeant Major Damsel
Abudefduf saxatillis
Price range: $5.99 through $7.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
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| In Stock | 1.25" or smaller - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $11.99.$5.99Current price is: $5.99. |
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| Only 9 left | 1 - 2" - Yellow - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $14.99.$7.99Current price is: $7.99. |
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| Out of Stock | 1.25 - 2.25" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $14.99.$7.99Current price is: $7.99. | Email me |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Sergeant Major Damsel (Abudefduf saxatilis) is an Atlantic damselfish with five bold vertical bars over a light body and a yellow wash across the upper back. Adults more typically reach around 15 cm (about 6 inches), and they’re often seen hovering in the water column near rock and reef structure.
What You’ll Observe:
- Patrols a favorite rock area and regularly cruises the open water in short loops
- Rushes to food quickly and grabs pieces from the water column
- Holds position confidently in moderate flow and returns to the same “home base” between feedings
- During certain periods, may focus on a cleaned patch of rock and stay close to it
Provide open swimming room plus rockwork with multiple caves and ledges so it can pick a home base without dominating the entire display. Offer a varied mix of meaty and plant-based marine foods split into at least two feedings per day for consistent body condition. Plan your stocking order so this fish goes in after more passive tankmates are already settled.
Will it change color or behavior when it’s breeding?
Keepers often report darker coloration and a strong “nest-guarding” routine, where it stays close to one cleaned rock area and makes quick passes outward.
Why does it “claim” one corner or one rock?
This species tends to establish a home base. Extra caves and separated rock zones help it choose a spot without needing to patrol the whole layout.
How do I feed it without it taking most of the food?
Use two feeding points (opposite sides of the tank) and smaller portions spread out over a few minutes, so slower fish get repeated chances.
Is it normal for it to be hard to catch once it’s established?
Yes—once it learns the rockwork, it uses tight turns and crevices. A baited fish trap left in place for a few days usually works better than a net chase.
Can I keep more than one Sergeant Major?
Most hobbyists have the best long-term results with a single adult. If you try multiples, adding them at the same time (while smaller) and providing lots of separated rock zones tends to go more smoothly.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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