Nature Field Guide
Panamic Sergeant Major
- Spanish name
- Sargento mayor
- Scientific name
- Abudefduf troschelii
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “That fish is wearing stripes!”
Tati: “Those are vertical bars. Let’s count them and check its yellow back.”
Species overview
About the Panamic Sergeant Major
Its oval, flattened body carries five black bars across a silvery side. Yellow often brightens the upper back, and the tail is forked.
This damselfish feeds on plankton and other small food items around reefs. Watching its position in the water helps distinguish a feeding fish from one staying close to a rocky shelter.
Identification
Key Features of the Panamic Sergeant Major
Five vertical black bars
Yellow upper back
Deep silver body and forked tail
Habitat & range
Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.
Local observations
Recorded at Cabo Blanco.
When to observe
Visibility depends on water clarity, currents, depth and conditions. No fixed local viewing or migration season is assigned.
Conservation & care
Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.
Threats & pressures
Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.
Observation activity
Count the bars in a verified photograph. Do they run from head to tail or from back to belly?
Explore by location
Guanacaste · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Ocean & Coastal Life