Ringtail Surgeonfish
Acanthurus blochii
Also known as: Dark Surgeon, Dark Surgeonfish, Dark Tang, Elongated Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Ringtail Surgeon, Ringtail Tang, Tailring Surgeon, Tailring Surgeonfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Whitetail Lancet
- Dark Surgeon
- Dark Surgeonfish
- Dark Tang
- Elongated Surgeonfish
- Doctorfish
- Lancetfish
- Ringtail Surgeon
- Ringtail Tang
- Tailring Surgeon
- Tailring Surgeonfish
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
- Whitetail Lancet
Showing details for the adult stage. Switch stages to see how it differs.
Overview
Found in small schools, over sandy areas of outer lagoons and seaward reefs, 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
Habitat & where to find it
Where the adult stage lives, and where its photos were taken.
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Exact location · 5
- Dive site · 1
- Country only · 4
Found in small schools, over sandy areas of outer lagoons and seaward reefs, rich in algae growth.
Adult photos 10
Discussion
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Deep dive
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