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).

Green damselfish
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Abudefduf
Species:
A. abdominalis
Binomial name
Abudefduf abdominalis
(Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)
Synonyms[2]

Glyphisodon abdominalis Quoy & Gaimard, 1825

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

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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]

Appearance

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These fishes can range from 7 inches to 9 inches on average. [9]The juveniles start out with a yellow tinge, which turns greenish white as they mature. The rear fin has a black marking.[9] During breeding the males turn blue and their black bars begin to fade into a gray instead. [8]

Diet

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These fish are known to nibble on zooplankton, Copepods usually[8] and on occasion they'll also eat algae.[9]

Predators

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Some fish that prey on this species include but are not limited to the Milletseed Butterflyfish, Racoon Butterflyfish, and the Black Triggerfish.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Jenkins, A.; Carpenter, K.E.; Allen, G. & Yeeting, B. (2017). "Abudefduf abdominalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T188304A1856204. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010.RLTS.T188304A1856204.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Abudefduf abdominalis". FishBase. June 2018 version.
  3. ^ "Abudefduf abdominalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2022-11-28.
  4. ^ Gosline, William (1965). Handbook of Hawaiian Fishes. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 209–210.
  5. ^ 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". Journal of Experimental Biology. 210 (22): 3990–4004. doi:10.1242/jeb.004390. ISSN 1477-9145. PMID 17981867.
  6. ^ 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.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ 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:ISBARI]2.0.CO;2.
  8. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b c Mahaney, Casey (1998). Hawaiian Reef Fish (first ed.). Island Heritage. p. 35. ISBN 0896101088.
  10. ^ "Appendix 21-A". HAZARD EVALUATION & EMERGENCY RESPONSE (HEER) OFFICE. Retrieved 2024-10-03.