divepix - Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major

Aspect:	All Damselfishes have similar outlines, but with more or less deeply pronounced "chin-pectoral" area and dorsal fin tips of various shape.
Population:	Abundant.
Notable feature:	Silver body with five dark vertical bars, the last one straight on the root of the tail fin. Yellow patch on dorsal area spreads between the bars but fades with age. Most importantly, male's silvery area turns dull grey during courtship and while, as seen here, protecting and ventilating eggs layed straight against against rock surfaces.
Environment:	Rocky areas, coral boulders.
Behaviour:	Can be approached, curious, but constantly moves (especially when guarding eggs), hence difficult to photograph.