Japan surgeonfish
📖 Overview
In clear lagoon and seaward reefs, usually in shallow exposed areas. Found in small to large aggregations . Sometimes solitary . Feed on algae .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 31; Anal soft rays: 26 - 29. A broad white band extending from lower edge of eye to upper lip. A bright orange band in outer part of soft portion of dorsal fin. Caudal peduncle yellow, shading to black a short distance anteriorly. Base of pectoral fins yellow (Ref 9808). : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Japan surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Japan surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Japan surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m , usually 5 - 15 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C West Pacific: Sulawesi (Indonesia) to Philippines and Ryukyu Islands.
🌿 Ecology
algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Japan 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) | 103 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Japan surgeonfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Japanese Surgeonfish · Powder Black Surgeon · White-nose Surgeonfish |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Japan-kirurgfisk |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Namidakurohagi · ナミダクロハギ |
| 🌍MSA | Botana Kacamata |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acanthurus japonicas | Schmidt | 1931 | Synonym |
| Hepatus aliala japonicus | Schmidt | 1931 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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