Biology:Green damselfish
| Green damselfish | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Abudefduf |
| Species: | A. abdominalis
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| Binomial name | |
| Abudefduf abdominalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
| |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Glyphisodon abdominalis Quoy & Gaimard, 1825 | |
The green damselfish (Abudefduf abdominalis),[3] also known as the Hawaiian sergeant major, is a non-migratory fish of the family Pomacentridae. This fish also goes by the name maomao[4] It occurs in the Pacific Ocean in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands, Midway Island and Johnston Atoll.[1] It can grow to a maximum total length of 30 centimetres (12 in).
Adults of the species are typically found in quiet waters with rocky bottoms in inshore and offshore reefs at a depth of 1 to 50 m (3 ft 3 in to 164 ft 1 in), although juveniles may sometimes be found in surge pools. It is a benthopelagic species, with adults being known to form schools. The species feeds on a variety of algae and zooplankton. It is known to be used as a food source for humans in Hawaii.[2] It occasionally appears in the aquarium trade.[1]
Breeding
Abudefduf abdominalis is oviparous, with distinct pairing occurring during breeding. Abudefduf abdominalis is known for being a species of fish that are polygamous during their breeding time.[5] Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate, with males guarding and aerating the eggs. Breeding cycles depend on the availability of food.[6] It is known to hybridise with Abudefduf vaigiensis which has been introduced to Hawaiian coastal waters.[7] Abudefduf abdominalis are capable of spawning year round, though are most active during mid December all through July.[8] To enchant the female of the species, males will take what are called "nuptial colors" like dark blue and have light yellow bars and will perform various dances to attract a mate. Such dances include swimming in zig-zag patterns, swimming in loops, or floating head down.[9]
Appearance
These fishes can range from 7 inches to 9 inches on average.[10] The juveniles start out with a yellow tinge, which turns greenish white as they mature. The rear fin has a black marking.[10] During breeding the males turn blue and their black bars begin to fade into a gray instead.[8]
Diet
These fish are known to nibble on zooplankton, Copepods usually[8] and on occasion they'll also eat algae.[10]
Predators
Some fish that prey on this species include but are not limited to the Milletseed Butterflyfish, Racoon Butterflyfish, and the Black Triggerfish.[11] Some predators like the Milletseed Butterflyfish will travel close behind divers to find a Hawaiian Sergeant nest and feast on the eggs.[9]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jenkins, A.; Carpenter, K.E.; Allen, G.; Yeeting, B. (2017). "Abudefduf abdominalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010.RLTS.T188304A1856204.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/188304/1856204. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2018). "Abudefduf abdominalis" in FishBase. June 2018 version.
- ↑ "Abudefduf abdominalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=254879.
- ↑ Gosline, William (1965). Handbook of Hawaiian Fishes. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 209–210.
- ↑ Maruska, Karen P.; Boyle, Kelly S.; Dewan, Laura R.; Tricas, Timothy C. (2007-11-15). "Sound production and spectral hearing sensitivity in the Hawaiian sergeant damselfish, Abudefduf abdominalis" (in en). Journal of Experimental Biology 210 (22): 3990–4004. doi:10.1242/jeb.004390. ISSN 1477-9145. PMID 17981867. Bibcode: 2007JExpB.210.3990M. https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/210/22/3990/17165/Sound-production-and-spectral-hearing-sensitivity.
- ↑ Tyler, III, William A.; Stanton, Frank (November 1995). "Potential influence of food abundance on spawning patterns in a damselfish, Abudefduf abdominalis". Bulletin of Marine Science 57 (3): 610-623.
- ↑ Karen P. Maruska; Kimberly A. Peyton (1 April 2007). "Interspecific Spawning between a Recent Immigrant and an Endemic Damselfish (Pisces: Pomacentridae) in the Hawaiian Islands". Pacific Science 61 (2): 211–221. doi:10.2984/1534-6188(2007)61[211:ISBARI2.0.CO;2].
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Randall, John E., ed (1981). Underwater guide to Hawaiian reef fishes (Waterproof ed.). Kaneohe, Hl: Treasures of Nature. ISBN 978-0-915180-07-3.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Hoover, John P.; Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN 978-1-56647-887-8.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Mahaney, Casey (1998). Hawaiian Reef Fish (first ed.). Island Heritage. p. 35. ISBN 0-89610-108-8.
- ↑ "Appendix 21-A" (in en). https://health.hawaii.gov/heer/tgm/section-21/appendix-21-a/#14.
Wikidata ☰ Q481523 entry
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