African Sergeant

Abudefduf hoefleri

The African Sergeant is a damselfish native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, with a range extending from Senegal to Benin, including the islands of Cape Verde, Ilhéu das Rolas, and São Tomé. This species is commonly found in rocky reef habitats, residing in shallow waters. It can grow up to 20 cm in length and is characterized by a compressed body with 13 dorsal spines, 14 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 13 anal soft rays. During the breeding season, African Sergeants form distinct pairs. The males are responsible for guarding and providing oxygen to the eggs, which are laid on the substrate and adhere to it. While typically found within its native range, a single specimen was unexpectedly recorded in the Mediterranean Sea near Malta in 2014. Divers are likely to encounter the African Sergeant at depths primarily less than 20 meters, as most recorded sightings occur within this range.