Surgeonfish

Common family name

Surgeonfish

Alias

Doctorfish

Scientific name

Acanthurus

Identification

Oval-shaped, laterally compressed body, tapering towards the tail. Smallmouths. The caudal fin is usually lunate-shaped. Very long anal fins. Pair of spines either side of the base of the tail which are very sharp – hence the name. Very colourful with exquisite patterns.

General Information

Acanthurus genus consists of 38 species. Found on all coral reefs, grazing alone or in schools. Use the sharp spines for defence and can be poisonous. They can change their colouration depending on the area where they are feeding – they are lighter over sandy areas and brighter over reefs. Pelagic spawners.

Diet

Feeds on algae, detritus and plankton. Herbivores.

Distribution

Occurs in all temperate and tropical oceans of the world.

Common species

Black surgeonfish - Acanthurus gahhm
Palette surgeonfish - Paracanthurus hepatus
Sohal surgeonfish - Acanthurus sohal