Sergeant Major Damselfish

A small, strikingly-striped reef fish with five bold black vertical bars on a yellow-white body — resembling the stripes of a military sergeant. Abundant on UAE reefs and often seen in large shoals around coral heads and jetty pilings.

Species Stats

Diet

Algae, plankton, small invertebrates

Habitat

Coral reefs, rocky inshore areas, jetties

Local Name (Arabic)

أبو خطوط

Fun Facts

• 1

  Males turn dark blue-purple when guarding egg clutches on rocky surfaces.

• 2

  One of the most territorial small reef fish — will boldly chase fish many times its size.

• 3

  A favourite subject for underwater photographers on Fujairah dive sites.

Found In