Abudefduf taurus (Müller & Troschel, 1848)
Night sergeant
photo by Johnson, L.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Glyphisodontinae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 5 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and the Caribbean Sea. Reported from northern South America (Ref. 5217). Eastern Atlantic: Cape Verde and from Senegal to Angola.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 10-10. Caudal fin lobe rounded (Ref. 7247). A heavy-bodied, compressed species; tawny yellow above, paler below, with 5 or 6 dark bars wider than interspaces between them (Ref. 26938). A sixth faint bar or dark saddle-like mark may be present on upper part of caudal peduncle; a prominent black spot at upper base of pectoral fin (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Adults inhabit rocky inshore reefs. They prefer wave-cut rock ledges or limestone shorelines and tide pools in regions with surf. Feed mainly on algae but adults also consume Zoanthus and hydroids while juveniles also feed on copepods (Ref. 9626). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3139).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 November 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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