Black Surgeonfish
Acanthurus gahhm
Also known as: Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish
- Doctorfish
- Lancetfish
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
Overview
Found in schools, in open areas close to corals and rocks.
Western Indian Ocean - Gulf of Aden to Red Sea
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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Indian Ocean
- Country only · 5
Found in schools, in open areas close to corals and rocks.
Adult photos 5
Discussion
No comments yet. Seen one, or got a question about it? Start the discussion.
Deep dive
More in the family
Surgeonfishes-Tangs-Unicornfishes (Acanthuridae)

Blue Tang
Acanthurus coeruleus

Lined Surgeonfish
Acanthurus lineatus

Ocean Surgeonfish
Acanthurus tractus

Yellowmask Surgeonfish
Acanthurus mata

Achilles Tang
Acanthurus achilles
7 photos

Bignose Unicornfish
Naso vlamingii

Blue Unicorn
Naso caeruleacauda
1 photo

Blue-lined Surgeonfish
Acanthurus nigroris
1 photo

Blue-lipped Bristletooth
Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus

Bluespine Unicornfish
Naso unicornis

Brown Surgeonfish
Acanthurus nigrofuscus

Convict Surgeonfish
Acanthurus triostegus