Sixplate Sawtail (juvenile) (Prionurus microlepidotus)

Also known as Australian Sawtail, Australian Sawtail Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Sawtail, Sawtail Surgeonfish

Description

Also known as Australian Sawtail, Australian Sawtail Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Sawtail, Sawtail Surgeonfish.

Found in schools, over rocky shores of bays, estuaries and coastal reefs.
They feed on benthic algae.
Juveniles found in coastal bays and estuaries.
Length - 70cm
Depth - 5-30m
Western Pacific- Southeastern Australia

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: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/12626

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