The sergeant major or píntano (Abudefduf saxatilis) is a species of damselfish. It grows to a maximum length of about .
Distribution and habitat
Abudefduf saxatilis is found in the Atlantic Ocean.
Juveniles are common in tidal pools, while adults are found over coral reefs. It is also known to feed on the waste and vomit of spinner dolphins.
thumb | right | A sergeant major fish or píntano (Abudefduf saxatilis) is a species of damselfish in Curaçao.
Reproduction
The sergeant major is an oviparous species in which the males create nests on rocks, reef outcrops, shipwrecks, and pilings, where the females lay their egg masses. The males actively chase the females in courtship before the female releases about 200,000 ref, ovoid eggs, which are attached to the substrate by a filament; the eggs turn greenish after a few days and are guarded by the male. As he guards the eggs, the male becomes bluish in colour, guarding them for about a week.