Ocean surgeonfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits shallow bottoms with coral or rocky formations ; also found around inshore rocky areas with patches of sand, feeding primarily on benthic algae and occasionally grazing on seagrass beds . Usually occurs in groups of five or more individuals. Mainly diurnal species. The spine on both sides of the caudal peduncle may inflict painful wounds . Marketed fresh. Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115. Previously reported longevity of 31 years from Ref. 52229 refers to Acanthurus bahianus, a case of misidentification.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 26; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 21 - 23. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D IX, 23-26; A III, 21-23; pectoral rays 15-17; gill rakers 18-24; covered with very small ctenoid scales; spatulate teeth have denticulate edges, upper jaw with 14, lower jaw 16; body depth about 2.0 in standard length; caudal fin lunate, concavity of caudal fin 5.0-12.0 in SL, more concave in adults; length of caudal spine 3.0-3.5 in SL; eye diameter 3.0-3.5 in head length; colour of body yellowish to grayish brown, without dark vertical bars; yellow lines radiating from the posterior margin of eye; translucent pectoral fin with yellow tints; white or pale spot at the base of caudal fin; posterior margin of caudal, anal and dorsal fins have light blue or white margin ..: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ocean surgeonfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 11 - 45 m . Tropical; 21°C - 25°C ; 44°N - 7°N, 98°W - 59°W Northwest to West Central Atlantic: from Massachusetts and Bermuda to Trinidad and Tobago, including the Gulf of Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Ocean surgeonfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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