Ocean Surgeonfish (Acanthurus tractus)

Also known as Barber, Barber Surgeonfish, Brown Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Fiveband Surgeonfish, Grey Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Ocean Surgeon, Ocean Tang, Ringtail, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish

Description

Also known as Barber, Barber Surgeonfish, Brown Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Fiveband Surgeonfish, Grey Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Ocean Surgeon, Ocean Tang, Ringtail, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish.

Found in small schools, close to coral and rock formations, over shallow, inshore, rock and sand patches of reefs.
They feed on algae and seagrass.
Length - 38cm
Depth - 0-50m
Widespread Northwestern Atlantic, Caribbean

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/942

Related creatures

Heads up! Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Ocean Surgeonfish. Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

Ocean Surgeonfish (Juvenile)

Ocean Surgeonfish (Juvenile)

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