Palette Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus)

Also known as Blue Hippo Tang, Blue Surgeonfish, Blue Tang, Blue-and-Yellow Hippo Tang, Doctorfish, Flagtail Surgeonfish, Hepatus Tang, Hippo Tang, Indo-Pacific Blue Tang, Indo-Pacific Tang, Lancetfish, Pacific Blue Tang, Pacific Regal Surgeonfish, Pacific Regal Tang, Palette Surgeon, Palette Tang, Regal Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Wedgetail Blue Tang, Wedge-tailed Tang, Yellow-tail Blue Tang

Description

Also known as Blue Hippo Tang, Blue Surgeonfish, Blue Tang, Blue-and-Yellow Hippo Tang, Doctorfish, Flagtail Surgeonfish, Hepatus Tang, Hippo Tang, Indo-Pacific Blue Tang, Indo-Pacific Tang, Lancetfish, Pacific Blue Tang, Pacific Regal Surgeonfish, Pacific Regal Tang, Palette Surgeon, Palette Tang, Regal Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Wedgetail Blue Tang, Wedge-tailed Tang, Yellow-tail Blue Tang.

Found singly or in loose schools, over current swept terraces of seaward reefs.
They feed on algae and plankton
Juveniles in small schools, hiding in the arms of branching corals.
Length - 31cm
Depth - 2-40m
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/6017

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 Palette Surgeonfish. Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

Palette Surgeonfish (Juvenile)

Palette Surgeonfish (Juvenile)

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