More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 600 litres / 158.50 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 23.0cm / 9.06inches |
| Reef Compatible | Always reef safe |
| Temperament | Aggressive towards other species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Abudefduf sordidus, commonly known as the Blackspot sergeant or Gray damselfish, belong to the Pomacentridae family. These fish are recognized for their aggressive nature, which tends to increase over time, and they can grow relatively larger compared to other species within the family. Found in the Indo-Pacific region, their distribution ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Pitcairn islands, extending north to Japan and south to Australia.
Aquarium Suitability
The Blackspot sergeant is considered suitable for aquariums but with caution due to its aggressive behavior towards other fish species. It is recommended to keep them with larger and more robust tank mates, providing regular feeding, numerous hiding places, and ample space to help mitigate their aggression to some extent. These fish thrive better when kept without other members of the same species in the aquarium.
Care and Hardiness
Categorized as hardy, these fish require a minimum tank size of 600 liters and specific water conditions, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity level of 1.020-1.025. They prefer a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.
Reef Suitability
The Blackspot sergeant is always reef-safe, making them a viable option for reef aquarium setups. However, their aggressive demeanor towards other species should be considered when introducing them to a reef environment.
Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for Blackspot sergeants, it is vital to provide enough hiding spots and open space for swimming. Ensuring a well-established environment with live rock formations can offer refuge and territorial boundaries for these aggressive fish. Maintaining stable water parameters and offering a varied diet are essential for their well-being.
Behaviour
These fish are known for their territorial and aggressive behavior, especially towards species perceived as threats or intruders in their space. Establishing a hierarchy within the tank is common, with dominant individuals asserting their authority over others. Blackspot sergeants can exhibit schooling behavior in the wild but might become more solitary in captivity.
Feeding and Diet
Their diet primarily consists of larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, along with other invertebrates. Offering a varied diet that includes macroalgae like seaweed or nori, microalgae such as spirulina, and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia is crucial for their nutritional needs and overall health.
Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction
Information on dimorphism and captive reproduction of the Blackspot sergeant is not provided in the available data.
Habitat and Distribution
In their natural habitat, Blackspot sergeants are found in reefs across the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, The Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific. They inhabit a range of depths in clear waters with suitable hiding spots and foraging areas.