Brown surgeonfish
📖 Overview
Found on hard substrates of shallow lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of more than 15 m . Benthopelagic . Feed on filamentous algae. Form spawning aggregations . Adults usually in small groups, but form large schools in some oceanic locations. Juveniles are often seen in mixed species aggregations . Species at the bottom of the 'pecking order' among surgeon fishes, and as a result employs the strategy of feeding in large schools that overwhelm the territorial defenses of other herbivores . Caught with nets . Can be eaten both raw and cooked . Maximum depth reported at 25m
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 27; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 22 - 24. Brown in color when preserved; with or without fine bluish gray longitudinal lines on body; pale pectoral fins with upper edge narrowly black; pelvic fins brown. Lips blackish brown; median upper teeth tend to be pointed. Dorsal fin base with a prominent black spot larger than 1/2 eye diameter; a smaller spot on base of anal fin. Groove of caudal spine encircled with a narrow black margin. Gill rakers on anterior row:20-24; on posterior row:18-23. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Brown surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Brown surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Form spawning aggregations .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 25 m , usually 2 - 25 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 31°N - 34°S, 3°E - 123°W south to Transkei, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
filamentous algae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Brown 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 | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 105 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Brown 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 fuliginosus | Lesson | 1831 | Heterotypic |
| Acanthurus lineolatus | Valenciennes | 1835 | Heterotypic |
| Acanthurus matoides | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Acanthurus rubropunctatus | Rüppell | 1829 | Synonym |
| Acronurus lineolatus | Klunzinger | 1871 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon nigrofuscus | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
| Ctenodon rubropunctatus | Rüppell | 1829 | Synonym |
| Hepatus fuliginosus | Lesson | 1831 | Heterotypic |
| Hepatus lineolatus | Valenciennes | 1835 | Heterotypic |
| Hepatus lucillae | Fowler | 1938 | Synonym |
| Teuthis lucillae | Fowler | 1938 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 22 records indexed .
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