Pale-lipped Surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucocheilus)

Also known as Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Pale-lipped Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Whitespine Surgeonfish, Whitespine Tang, White-spined Surgeonfish

Description

Also known as Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Pale-lipped Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Whitespine Surgeonfish, Whitespine Tang, White-spined Surgeonfish.

Found singly or in small schools, close to drop-offs, over clear seaward reefs.
They feed on algae.
Length - 45cm
Depth - 3-40m
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/4741

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