Achilles Tang
Acanthurus achilles
Also known as: Achilles Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Orange-spot Surgeonfish, Redspot Surgeonfish, Redtail Surgeonfish, Red-tailed Surgeon, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish
- Achilles Surgeonfish
- Doctorfish
- Lancetfish
- Orange-spot Surgeonfish
- Redspot Surgeonfish
- Redtail Surgeonfish
- Red-tailed Surgeon
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
Overview
Found singly or in schools over sand bottoms of shallow, clearwater seaward reefs.
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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Pacific, Eastern Central Pacific
- Exact location · 4
- Dive site · 2
- Country only · 1
Found singly or in schools over sand bottoms of shallow, clearwater seaward reefs.
Adult photos 7
Discussion
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Deep dive
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Surgeonfishes-Tangs-Unicornfishes (Acanthuridae)
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