Adults inhabit rocky inshore reefs. They prefer wave-cut rock ledges or limestone shorelines and tide pools in regions with surf. Feed mainly on algae but adults also consume Zoanthus and hydroids while juveniles also feed on copepods (Ref. 9626). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3139).

Gulf of Mexico

Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and the Caribbean Sea. Reported from northern South America (Ref. 5217). Eastern Atlantic: Cape Verde and from Senegal to Angola.

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 10

25.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 7251))

Caudal fin lobe rounded (Ref. 7247). A heavy-bodied, compressed species; tawny yellow above, paler below, with 5 or 6 dark bars wider than interspaces between them (Ref. 26938). A sixth faint bar or dark saddle-like mark may be present on upper part of caudal peduncle; a prominent black spot at upper base of pectoral fin (Ref. 13442).

Holotype for Abudefduf taurus
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes
Collector(s): Rowell
Locality: Aspinwall (Now Known As Colon)., Panama, Caribbean Sea, Atlantic

Depth range based on 38 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 12 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0.3 - 9
  Temperature range (°C): 27.438 - 27.744
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.174 - 1.215
  Salinity (PPS): 34.880 - 36.103
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.519 - 4.662
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.100 - 0.344
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.033 - 3.653

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0.3 - 9

Temperature range (°C): 27.438 - 27.744

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.174 - 1.215

Salinity (PPS): 34.880 - 36.103

Oxygen (ml/l): 4.519 - 4.662

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.100 - 0.344

Silicate (umol/l): 2.033 - 3.653
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

reef-associated; non-migratory; marine; depth range 1 - 5 m (Ref. 9710)

Inhabits rocky inshore reefs (Ref. 7247).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Species: 14
Species With Barcodes: 1

Not Evaluated

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial