Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus)

Also known as Black Doctorfish, Doctorfish Tang, Lancetfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish

Description

Also known as Black Doctorfish, Doctorfish Tang, Lancetfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish.

Found singly or in loose schools, over shallow areas, of coral and rocky reefs. Can change colour dramatically, from dark to light.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Juveniles found helping out at cleaning stations along with other fish.
Length - 35cm
Depth - 2-25m
Widespread Eastern Atlantic, Western 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/Acanthurus-chirurgus.html

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