Ocean Surgeonfish
Acanthurus tractus
Also known as: Barber, Barber Surgeonfish, Brown Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Fiveband Surgeonfish, Grey Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Ocean Surgeon, Ocean Tang, Ringtail, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish
- Barber
- Barber Surgeonfish
- Brown Surgeonfish
- Doctorfish
- Fiveband Surgeonfish
- Grey Doctorfish
- Lancetfish
- Ocean Surgeon
- Ocean Tang
- Ringtail
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
Showing details for the adult stage. Switch stages to see how it differs.
Overview
Found in small schools, close to coral and rock formations, over shallow, inshore, rock and sand patches of reefs.
Widespread Northwestern Atlantic, Caribbean
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
- Fins & Tail
- white tailwhite tail ring
- Behaviour
- schooling
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
Where the adult stage lives, and where its photos were taken.
- Range · Caribbean, Northwest Atlantic
- Exact location · 2
- Country only · 35
Found in small schools, close to coral and rock formations, over shallow, inshore, rock and sand patches of reefs.
Adult photos 37
Discussion
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Deep dive
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