Description
Also known as Blackspot Surgeonfish, Brown Surgeon, Doctorfish, Dusky Surgeonfish, Elongate Surgeonfish, Lancetfish, Lavender Surgeonfish, Lavender Tang, Spot-cheeked Surgeonfish, Spot-cheeked Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish.
Found in small to large schools, over hard substrates, and lower surge zones, of shallow lagoons and seaward reefs.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Juveniles found in mixed schools. This fish is brown to purple-brown with small orange spots on the head and thorax. There is a black spot and line near the tail.The tail looks purplish in natural light.
Length - 20cm
Depth - 0-25m
Widespread Indo-Pacific
Surgeonfish have a blade like spine in the tail that points outwards when bent, unicorns have two hook-like plates along the tail, these are used for defence and are as sharp as a surgeons scalpel, hence the name "Surgeonfish".
Some species are venomous. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/4739
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