White-spotted Surgeonfish
Acanthurus guttatus
Also known as: Doctorfish, Lancetfish, Mustard Guttatus Tang, Mustard Surgeonfish, Mustard Tang, Spotband Surgeonfish, Spotted Surgeonfish, Spotted Tang, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, White-spotted Surgeon
- Doctorfish
- Lancetfish
- Mustard Guttatus Tang
- Mustard Surgeonfish
- Mustard Tang
- Spotband Surgeonfish
- Spotted Surgeonfish
- Spotted Tang
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
- White-spotted Surgeon
Showing details for the adult stage. Switch stages to see how it differs.
Overview
Found in schools, over shallow, surge zones, of clear 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
- 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 · Indo-Pacific
- Dive site · 3
- Country only · 1
Found in schools, over shallow, surge zones, of clear seaward reefs.
Adult photos 4
Discussion
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Deep dive
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