Abudfduf bengalensis {Sergeant major} {Bengal sergeant}

DATA
Tank:- Plenty of rocks and caves. 32 Gallons
SG.:- 1.022
Temperature:- 26oC
Maximum Length:- 16cm
Swimming area:- All tank areas
Light:- Occasionally bright
Temperament:- Generally peaceful community fish
Nutrition:- Takes all commercial foods

The damsel fish have I'm afraid been much misused in the past with many species simply being used to mature salt water tanks. This practice has now virtually stopped and these fish are now maintained for their own beauty and interest. By all means use some of them for a new tank but only after it has been matured, either naturally or with the various compounds now available.
Generally small these fishes are sometimes kept as a single specimen but they are by nature a schooling fish and should therefore be kept in groups of at least 5/6. An additional benefit is that a school is so much more interesting. A strange face appearing at the tank will sometimes frighten them into hiding so it is necessary to provide a number of caves as hiding places.
Colour ranges from blue to brown or yellow but sadly fades with age, a point to remember when purchasing
They are very adaptable and will take all kinds of food but they do appear to enjoy browsing on algae. Occasionally quarrelsome between themselves but no harm seems to some from this and they are quite peaceful to other species.

Dascyllus have been bred in captivity and it is estimated that over 90% of this familty can be home bred. Mature males are always larger than the female and develop more intense colouration. Sexing is a very haphazard affair as there is no sure way of differentiating between the sexes. Once pairing is complete the female will show an ovipositor which is thick and short whereas in the male it in longer and thinner, if you are lucky you may see a pair bonding and together they will choose a nest site and guard the eggs until the free swimming stage when the parents must be removed otherwise they will surely eat the fry. Spawning takes place generally at or near a full moon and is a year round activity. Note however that Chromis spawn in the water column, Pomocenturs members spawn in pits, under crevices or in holes.
Eggs are pink or red or transparent with a sticky end for attatching to a rock or similar. Incubation takes 2-4 days with the male assuming the guard duties and hatching occurs at dusk or during darkness with the fry ranging from 2-4mm in size.
The 'humbug' types are mostly black and white but are extremely hardy and some seek protection under an anemone at night.

Specieis in this group are too numerous to mention individually so I shall content myself with a list of the main groups.=:-

Chromis; Chrysiptera; Dascyllus; Glyphidodontops; Microspathodon; Neopomocentrus; Paraglyphidodon; Pomacentrus; Pomachromis; Stegatses.

If you wish further discussion or have any queries then please E-Mail me.

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