Sergeant Major

Photo: Fae Sapsford · CC BY-NC

Sergeant majors are found in extraordinary abundance at the Cathedral, using the cavern openings and roof as territorial anchor points for nesting, with males guarding purple egg masses laid on the flat limestone ceiling. The species is a keystone reef fish in Bermuda, both as prey for larger predators and as an aggressive defender of algal mats that influence benthic community composition. Their perpetual presence and schooling behaviour at this site creates the shimmering golden light effect that is a signature visual experience for divers.