DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

POMACENTRIDAE (DAMSELFISHES)

Abudefduf sexfasciatus (Lacepède)
(Scissor-tailed Sergeant Major; Fomho)
SL: to 13 cm (photo: 8 cm SL, Apra Harbor, 18 m)

This moderately common damselfish is found in moats, channels, lagoons, and seaward reefs in coral-rich areas to depths of 12 m.  It usually occurs in small groups and feeds on zooplankton and algae.  The black streaks on the tail fin distinguish it from three other vertically striped species of Abudefduf on Guam.  The larger (15 cm) A. sordidus and A. septemfasciatus are drab shades of gray.  The latter species has seven vertical bands (the band on the head is not always distinct) and a dark margin on the rear of the tail fin.  Both species feed on algae and are often seen in inshore channels in silty water near rocky shorelines exposed to mild surge.  The yellow-and-black striped A. waigiensis may occasionally be observed on outer moats and reef fronts to a depth of 3 m.

INDO-PACIFIC: E. Africa to Rapa and the Tuamotus, n. to s. Japan, s. to Lord Howe.