Indo-Pacific sergeant

The Indo-Pacific sergeant is a damselfish of the family Pomacentridae, extremely widespread across the Indo-Pacific on shallow reefs, rocky shores and lagoons. It has a silvery to yellowish body crossed by five bold black bars, and males turn bluish when guarding eggs. It is a hardy but semi-aggressive and territorial fish, particularly as it matures, and can bully smaller or more timid tankmates in the confines of an aquarium. A robust community tank with ample live rock and swimming space suits it, ideally with other assertive fish rather than delicate species. It is an omnivore feeding on zooplankton, algae and small invertebrates, and readily accepts flake, pellets, marine algae and meaty frozen foods. Males guard purplish egg patches laid on hard surfaces. Its toughness makes it an easy fish, but its temperament limits its use in peaceful setups.