About Abudefduf whitleyi Allen & Robertson, 1974
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
Abudefduf whitleyi, commonly called Whitley's sergeant, is a damselfish species that belongs to the family Pomacentridae.
Distribution
This species is native to the tropical southwestern Pacific Ocean, and has been recorded in Australia, New Caledonia, and the Coral Sea.
Habitat and Depth Range
It typically lives in shallow reef habitats, at depths ranging from 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet).
Group Behavior
In these habitats, feeding groups of over 100 individual fish are often observed swimming in the water column, fairly high above the underwater substrate.
Reproductive Mode
Abudefduf whitleyi is oviparous.
Breeding Behavior
During the breeding season, individual fish form distinct mating pairs, and males guard and aerate the fertilized eggs.
Maximum Size
The maximum standard length this species can reach is 14 centimeters, or 5.5 inches.
