Mimic Surgeonfish (Juvenile) (Acanthurus pyroferus)

Also known as Black-barred Surgeonfish, Black-barred Tang, Chocolate Surgeonfish, Chocolate Tang, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Lemonpeel Surgeonfish, Lemonpeel Tang, Mimic Tang, Orange-gilled Surgeonfish, Orange-gilled Tang, Pacific Mimic Surgeon, Pacific Mimic Surgeonfish, Pacific Mimic Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellow Mimic Surgeonfish, Yellow Mimic Tang, Yellowspot Surgeon

Description

Also known as Black-barred Surgeonfish, Black-barred Tang, Chocolate Surgeonfish, Chocolate Tang, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Lemonpeel Surgeonfish, Lemonpeel Tang, Mimic Tang, Orange-gilled Surgeonfish, Orange-gilled Tang, Pacific Mimic Surgeon, Pacific Mimic Surgeonfish, Pacific Mimic Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellow Mimic Surgeonfish, Yellow Mimic Tang, Yellowspot Surgeon.

Found singly, over mixed coral, rock, and sand, around ledges and bases of reefs, in silty lagoons and seaward reefs, rich in algae growth.
They feed on algae.
Juveniles have yellow bodies and can mimic yellow pygmy angelfish.
Length - 25cm
Depth - 4-60m
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. (edit) Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/4742

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

Mimic Surgeonfish

Mimic Surgeonfish

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