Japan Surgeonfish
Acanthurus japonicus
Also known as: Doctorfish, Goldrim Tang, Gold-rimmed Tang, Japanese Surgeonfish, Lancetfish, Powder Black Surgeonfish, Powder Brown Surgeonfish, Powder Brown Tang, White-faced Surgeonfish, Whitenose Surgeonfish, White-nosed Surgeonfish
- Doctorfish
- Goldrim Tang
- Gold-rimmed Tang
- Japanese Surgeonfish
- Lancetfish
- Powder Black Surgeonfish
- Powder Brown Surgeonfish
- Powder Brown Tang
- White-faced Surgeonfish
- Whitenose Surgeonfish
- White-nosed Surgeonfish
Overview
Found singly, or in small to large schools, over shallow, exposed areas, of lagoons and seaward reefs.
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 · Indo-West Pacific
- Exact location · 1
- Country only · 3
Found singly, or in small to large schools, over shallow, exposed areas, of lagoons and seaward reefs.
Adult photos 4
Discussion
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Deep dive
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