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. This fish is brown to purple-brown with small orange spots on the head and thorax. There is a black spot either side of the tail and a line near the tail.The tail looks purplish in natural light.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Juveniles found in mixed schools.
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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