Description
Also known as Curvier's Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Purple Surgeonfish, Ringtail Surgeonfish, Ring-tailed Surgeonfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellowfin Surgeon, Yellowmask Surgeonfish.
Found in schools over sand slopes of deep protected bays, lagoons and outer reefs.
They feed on filamentous algae, detritus, pieces of fish and hydroids.
Juveniles found over surge zones of protected inshore waters.
Often curious towards boats and divers.
Length - 56cm
Depth - 1-100m
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/1261
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