Razor Surgeonfish
Prionurus laticlavius
Also known as: Doctorfish, Galapagos Surgeonfish, Lancetfish, Razor Sawtail, Thorntail Fish, Thorntail, Yellowtail Doctorfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Yellow-tailed Sawfish, Yellow-tailed Surgeonfish
- Doctorfish
- Galapagos Surgeonfish
- Lancetfish
- Razor Sawtail
- Thorntail Fish
- Thorntail
- Yellowtail Doctorfish
- Yellowtail Surgeonfish
- Yellow-tailed Sawfish
- Yellow-tailed Surgeonfish
Overview
Found in large schools, grazing on algae from corals and rocks, over shallow areas of coastlines and lagoons rich in algae growth.
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
- Pattern
- black spotblack stripes
- Fins & Tail
- yellow tail
- Behaviour
- schooling
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Eastern Central Pacific
- Exact location · 1
- Country only · 1
Found in large schools, grazing on algae from corals and rocks, over shallow areas of coastlines and lagoons rich in algae growth.
Adult photos 2
Other species worth knowing
Partners, neighbours & enemies
Discussion
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Deep dive
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