Finelined surgeonfish
📖 Overview
Finelined surgeonfish (Acanthurus grammoptilus) 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 35.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 22 and 91 metres. With a trophic level of 2.1, 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
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 26; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 23 - 24. This species is characterize by the following head with small pale (rust colour in life) spots; black around peduncular spine groove of adults extending well ahead of front of spine (by a distance almost as long as spine on a 24.5 cm SL specimen); caudal fin with a very narrow white posterior margin (broader in young); body depth of adults (> 20 cm SL) 2.2.-2.5 times in SL ; anterior gill rakers 16-18; posterior 21-23; when preserved, color of body brown; head spotted with bands in front of eye; tip of pectoral fin paler than the base; upper end of gill opening with a faint dark brown elongate blotch; dark brown color encircling caudal spine; caudal fin base white .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Finelined surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 22 - 91 m . Tropical; 22°N - 30°S, 91°E - 167°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Acanthurus Grammoptilus 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 | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 109 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Finelined 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Finelined surgeonfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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