Yellowmask Surgeonfish (Acanthurus mata)

Also known as Bleeker´s Surgeonfish, Blue-lined Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Elongate Surgeon, Elongate Surgeonfish, Elongate Tang, Elongated Surgeonfish, Lancetfish, Mata Surgeonfish, Mata Tang, Pale Surgeon, Pale Surgeonfish, Striped Surgeon, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellowmask

Description

Also known as Bleeker´s Surgeonfish, Blue-lined Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Elongate Surgeon, Elongate Surgeonfish, Elongate Tang, Elongated Surgeonfish, Lancetfish, Mata Surgeonfish, Mata Tang, Pale Surgeon, Pale Surgeonfish, Striped Surgeon, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Yellowmask.

Found in schools, in murky waters, over rocky bottoms and along steep slopes of coral reefs.
They feed midwater on zooplankton.
Length - 50cm
Depth - 5-100m
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/Acanthurus-mata

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

Yellowmask Surgeonfish (Juvenile)

Yellowmask Surgeonfish (Juvenile)

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