Adults can grow up to 30 centimetres (9.0 in) at maximum length. Normally, they would grow up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in). The largest recorded specimen weighed had a weight of up to 200 grams (7.1 oz). Abudefduf saxatilis has 13 dorsal spines, 12 to 13 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 10 to 12 anal soft rays. This fish is white with a yellow top. It has 5 black or dark blue vertical stripes. A faint sixth stripe might be present on the caudal peduncle. Adult males have a more bluish coloration and its stripes are less visible. There is a dark spot around its Abudefduf saxatilis is found in the Atlantic Ocean. Populations in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean are found from the north eastern coast of the United States south to the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, islands around the Caribbean Sea, the eastern coast of Central and South America all the way to Uruguay. In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, they are found from Portugal, Azores, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and western Africa. Its distribution remains unclear in the Mediterranean Sea due to possible confusion with Abudefduf vaigiensis and Abudefduf troschelii. Juveniles are common in tide pools while adults are found over coral reefs. Sergeant majors are found at depths of 0 to 40 metres (0 to 131 ft).
