Convict Surgeonfish (Juvenile) (Acanthurus triostegus)

Also known as Convict Surgeon, Convict Tang, Convictfish, Doctorfish, Fiveband Surgeonfish, Lancetfish, Prison Surgeonfish, Prison Tang, Surgeon Convict, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish

Description

Also known as Convict Surgeon, Convict Tang, Convictfish, Doctorfish, Fiveband Surgeonfish, Lancetfish, Prison Surgeonfish, Prison Tang, Surgeon Convict, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish.

Found in large schools, over hard substrates and around jetties, in shallow protected lagoons and seaward reefs. Sometimes found in their thousands, enabling them to chase other fish away, giving them the chance to eat the rich algae guarded by other species. Identified by their pale cream bodies and black strips like a convicts uniform.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Juvenile found in tidepools.
Length - 26cm
Depth - 0-90m
Widespread Eastern Pacific, 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/1260

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

Convict Surgeonfish

Convict Surgeonfish

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2 comments

  1. Posted by Tamah Roby
    February 10, 2023 at 17:57 pm - 1 person found this useful.

    Can someone please identify the fish to the left of the Convict Surgeonfish in the picture at the top.

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Known Sightings / Photograph Locations

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