Green damselfish
| Green damselfish | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Abudefduf |
| Species: | A. abdominalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Abudefduf abdominalis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]These fish are known to nibble on zooplankton, Copepods usually[8] and on occasion they'll also eat algae.[10]
Predators
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Abudefduf abdominalis". FishBase. June 2018 version.
- ^ "Abudefduf abdominalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2022-11-28.
- ^ 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". Journal of Experimental Biology. 210 (22): 3990–4004. doi:10.1242/jeb.004390. ISSN 1477-9145. PMID 17981867.
- ^ 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) - ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b c Mahaney, Casey (1998). Hawaiian Reef Fish (first ed.). Island Heritage. p. 35. ISBN 0896101088.
- ^ "Appendix 21-A". HAZARD EVALUATION & EMERGENCY RESPONSE (HEER) OFFICE. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
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