Barber surgeonfish
📖 Overview
Barber surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Acanthuridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 14.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 2 and 80 metres. With a trophic level of 2.3, it is an omnivore, consuming both plant and animal matter. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Barber surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Barber surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 80 m . Tropical; 0°S - 30°S, 50°W - 5°W South and Central Atlantic: coast of Brazil, from Parcel Manuel Luiz to Santa Catarina, including the oceanic Islands of Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Trindade, Ascension I.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Barber surgeonfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 176 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Barber surgeonfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acanthurus tractus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Acronurus nigriculus | Poey | 1875 | Synonym |
| Hepatus bahianus | Castelnau | 1855 | Synonym |
| Teuthis bahianus | Castelnau | 1855 | Synonym |
| Teuthis tractus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Barber surgeonfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 179 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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