Author: (Gill, 1862)
FBname: Panamic sergeant major
Comments: Adults inhabit rocky and coral reefs (Ref. 9334).  Usually in large aggregations.  These diurnal feeders feed on plankton at the surface or mid-water;  also graze on benthic invertebrates and algae on the reef.  Breed during early summer in the Gulf and continues throughout the summer until fall.  This fish is a warm-water, stenothermal species.  Juveniles of second year class have been observed cleaning schools of striped mullet, halfbeaks and needlefish (Ref. 5592).  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).