Atlantic Blue Tang
Acanthurus coeruleus
Surgeonfish
surgeonfish
About
Surgeonfish are algae-grazing reef fish named for the sharp, blade-like spines on their tail. In this app the group includes the Convict surgeonfish, Sailfin tang, and Yellowfin surgeonfish.
How to tell it apart
Look for one or more sharp, scalpel-like spines near the base of the tail; these give the group its name and can cause a nasty cut if handled. Colour and body shape help tell members apart, and some species carry a horn-like growth on the forehead.
Appearance
Surgeonfish have a flat, oval body with large fins along the back, belly, and tail that run most of the body's length. Their mouth is small, with a single row of teeth used for grazing algae. Most species stay between 15 and 40 centimetres, but some, especially in the unicornfish genus, grow larger, up to about 1 metre.
Habitat
Surgeonfish live in tropical seas around the world, usually around coral reefs.
Behaviour
Surgeonfish sometimes feed alone, but often gather and feed in schools. Feeding in a group may help them overcome small, territorial fish that guard patches of algae.
Diet
Surgeonfish graze mainly on algae growing on the reef.
Did you know?
Surgeonfish are the only known hosts of a group of bacteria, called Epulopiscium, that live in their gut and help them digest algae.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
