Thompson's surgeonfish
📖 Overview
This occasionally schooling species occurs in steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs . Benthopelagic over coral and sand . Feeds on zooplankton, particularly large gelatinous forms, and on fish eggs and crustaceans . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 26; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 23 - 26. Body uniformly brown to dark brown; caudal fin pale in color (snow white in live fishes). Small, dark spot below and adjacent to axil of pectoral fin. Anterior gill rakers 15-18; posterior 14-16. Snout length 7.9 to 8.2 times in SL. Least depth of caudal peduncle 2.2 to 2.5 times in head length (Ref 9808).: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Thompson's surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Thompson's surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Thompson's surgeonfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 119 m , usually 5 - 70 m . Tropical; 24°C - 27°C ; 23°N - 29°S, 32°E - 124°W East Africa, including the Mascarene Islands (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton, particularly large gelatinous forms, and on fish eggs and crustaceans (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Thompson's 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 | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 150 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Thompson's 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 philippinus | Herre | 1927 | Synonym |
| Hepatus philippinus | Herre | 1927 | Synonym |
| Hepatus thompsoni | Fowler | 1923 | Synonym |
| Teuthis thompsoni | Fowler | 1923 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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