Atlantic Blue Tang
Acanthurus coeruleus
Fowler's surgeonfish
Acanthurus fowleri
About
A solitary and wary species found in clear seaward reefs and drop-offs . Often grazes algae from surface of sponges .
Also known as: fowler's surgeonfish, fowler's surgeon, horse-shoe surgeon, fowlers surgeonfish, fowler's surgeonfish, black-spot surgeonfish, horse-shoe surgeon
- Length
- 45 cm
- Depth
- 2–20 m
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
Appearance
Look for a large semicircular to subtriangular black mark anteriorly on side of body (open part anterior), the upper end at level of eye above dorsal end of gill opening, the lower end above base of pectoral fins. Head suffused with purplish blue. Caudal fin blackish centrally with a yellow band in each lobe that merges with white band at base, the posterior margin narrowly blue (Ref 9808).
Habitat
A solitary and wary species found in clear seaward reefs and drop-offs .
Behaviour
A solitary and wary species found in clear seaward reefs and drop-offs .
Diet
Often grazes algae from surface of sponges .
Did you know?
Tangs are named for the sharp scalpel-like spine near the tail base.
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