Scissortail Sergeant

Abudefduf sexfasciatus

Scissortail Sergeant is a reef-dwelling damselfish of the Indo-Pacific, common around shallow coral and rocky reefs. It feeds on plankton and tiny benthic invertebrates and is usually more of an observation species than a target for anglers.

Saltwater

Scissortail Sergeant reference image — Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Bold black vertical bars on a pale blue-gray body
Forked tail with black and white striping that gives the species its 'scissortail' look
Juveniles and adults show a school-forming damselfish shape with a laterally compressed body

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, lagoon edges, and surge-exposed rocky reefs, typically in clear tropical marine water from very nearshore to moderate reef depths.

Bait notes

Rarely targeted; if taken by anglers, small pieces of shrimp, squid, or cut fish on tiny hooks can tempt it, and small reef jigs or micro-lures may draw strikes near reef edges.

Behavior

Often occurs in loose schools or small aggregations above reef structure, picking zooplankton and small drifting prey from the water column; wary but readily visible around current-swept reefs.

Caution

Handle carefully to avoid harming reef habitat; some local reefs may have collection or harvest restrictions. As with many reef fish, avoid consuming specimens from ciguatera-risk areas if local advisories apply.

Fishing notes

Not a regular game fish. Use very light tackle, tiny hooks, and short casts around shallow reef structure; avoid strong pressure near coral to reduce break-offs and reef damage.