Tennent's Surgeonfish
Acanthurus tennentii
Also known as: Doctorfish, Doubleband Surgeonfish, Doubleband Tang, Lancetfish, Lieutenant Surgeon, Lieutenant Surgeonfish, Lieutenant Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish
- Doctorfish
- Doubleband Surgeonfish
- Doubleband Tang
- Lancetfish
- Lieutenant Surgeon
- Lieutenant Surgeonfish
- Lieutenant Tang
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
Overview
Found singly, or in schools, over silty waters, around slopes, in lagoons, outer reefs 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 · Indian Ocean
- Country only · 5
Found singly, or in schools, over silty waters, around slopes, in lagoons, outer reefs and seaward reefs.
Adult photos 5
Discussion
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Deep dive
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