Panamic Sergeant Major

Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Size: Up to 20 cm (8 in)
Depth: 0 – 15m (0 – 50ft)
Distribution: Tropical Eastern Pacific (Gulf of Mexico to Galapagos).

Identification:
A common and recognizable reef dweller.

• Pattern: The fish earns its military rank name from the five distinct vertical black bars on its side. The body is compressed with a silver-white base color often washed with yellow on the upper back.
• Habitat: ‘Panamic’ means they are found solely in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. They are one of the most common fish in Bahia Solano, usually found in large, loosely formed schools in shallow reefs.

Behavior:
A devoted parent facing clever predators.

• Reproduction: Males are dedicated fathers; they guard and aerate the sticky eggs which are attached to rocks until they hatch.
• Predation: Despite their diligence, their nests are often raided by Black-Nosed Butterflyfish. These predators travel in shoals and will use divers as "cover" to approach the nest and eat the eggs while the Sergeant Major is distracted.