Mimic surgeonfish
📖 Overview
Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs; prefers areas of mixed coral, rock, or sand at the base of reefs or ledges, Ref. 48637. Also on silty reefs . Found singly . Juveniles mimic Centropyge spp. (in Guam, juveniles mimic C. flavissimus but in Palau where this species is absent, they mimic C. vrolikii), Ref. 48637. Presence of a venom gland could not be determined despite the presence of distinct anterolateral grooves; this may be due to the loss of venom glands in adults . Feeds on algae . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 30; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 24 - 28. Purplish black in color; an orange diffused patch at edge of gill opening, just above pectoral fin base; a broad black band from upper end of gill opening to margin of gill cover down to isthmus; caudal spine socket with a narrow black margin. Blackish lips; a trace of orange behind eye; a white line under chin extending slightly above rictus. Gill rakers on anterior row 23-26; on posterior row 25-27. Juveniles can exhibit 3 different color patterns mimicking Centropyge species. Caudal fin rounded in juveniles. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mimic surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mimic surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Mimic surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 60 m , usually 5 - 40 m . Tropical; 32°N - 24°S, 55°E - 138°W north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mimic 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) | 107 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mimic 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 armiger | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Acanthurus celebicus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Acanthurus doreensis | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Acanthurus fuscus | Steindachner | 1861 | Synonym |
| Acanthurus lishenus | Shen & Lim | 1973 | Synonym |
| Acanthurus melanopterus | Shen & Lim | 1973 | Synonym |
| Hepatus celebicus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Hepatus pyriferus | Kittlitz | 1834 | Synonym |
| Hepatus pyroferus | Kittlitz | 1834 | Synonym |
| Rhombotides celebicus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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