Ringtail surgeonfish
📖 Overview
Adults occur in outer lagoon and seaward reefs, usually seen in small groups and school in some oceanic locations . Benthopelagic . They feed primarily on the algal film covering compacted sand, ingesting the usual component of sand which probably aids in the trituration of the algal food in the thick-walled stomach, also feed on diatoms and detritus .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 27; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 24 - 25. Color in life bluish grey with numerous yellowish brown spots which tend to form irregular longitudinal lines; head with narrow irregular stripes; behind eye a yellow spot; brown pectoral fins; base of caudal fin with white bar. Caudal spine large, 3 - 4.4 in head. Stomach gizzard-like. Differs from A. dussumieri by having vertical stripes instead of spots on the blue central area of the caudal fin, from A. mata by having a lunate caudal fin, and from A. xanthopterus by having plain brown to blue-grey pectoral fins . The white ring around the base of the tail varies in intensity and may occasionally be absent .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ringtail surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Ringtail surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Ringtail surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 15 m . Tropical; 31°N - 34°S, 25°E - 156°W East Africa, including the Mascarene Islands (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
the algal film covering compacted sand, ingesting the usual component of sand which probably aids in
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ringtail 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 | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 86 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ringtail surgeonfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acanthurus annularis | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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