Thompson's Surgeonfish
Acanthurus thompsoni
Also known as: Chocolate Surgeon, Chocolate Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Night Surgeonfish, Thompson's Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Whitetail Surgeonfish, White-tailed Surgeonfish
- Chocolate Surgeon
- Chocolate Surgeonfish
- Doctorfish
- Lancetfish
- Night Surgeonfish
- Thompson's Tang
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
- Whitetail Surgeonfish
- White-tailed Surgeonfish
Overview
Found singly or in small schools, over coral and sandy areas, along steep drop-offs and steep outer reef slopes. Can change colour when disturbed.
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 tail
- Behaviour
- changes colourschoolingsolitary
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Country only · 8
Found singly or in small schools, over coral and sandy areas, along steep drop-offs and steep outer reef slopes.
Adult photos 8
Discussion
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