Yellowspotted sawtail
📖 Overview
Yellowspotted sawtail (Prionurus maculatus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Acanthuridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 45 cm. With a trophic level of 2, it is a herbivore or detritivore. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 26; Anal soft rays: 23 - 25. Colour bluish grey with narrow vertical yellow bars on side of body and small yellow spots dorsally on body and on head. Keeled peduncular plates blue and black. Keeled peduncular plates usually 3, no scattered small thorn-like plates dorsally and posteriorly to midlateral series (Ref 9808).: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellowspotted sawtail is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range ? - 20 m . Subtropical; 20°C - 24°C Southwest Pacific: New South Wales and Lord Howe Island to Queensland; only Capricorn Group and Swains Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellowspotted sawtail 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 | 19.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 191 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellowspotted sawtail has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Yellowspotted sawtail.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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