Sixplate sawtail
📖 Overview
Sixplate sawtail (Prionurus microlepidotus), first described by Lacepède, 1804 is a large fish in the family Acanthuridae (order Acanthuriformes). Adults typically reach 70.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Acanthuridae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 22; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 20 - 21. Colour grey-brown with indistinct dark bars on side of body, the 5 to 7 peduncular plates black. Body depth of subadults about 2 times in SL, the body becoming more elongate with age (to as much 3 times in SL in large adults). Adults developing a pronounced protuberance anteriorly on snout (Ref 9808).: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sixplate sawtail is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Probably spawn in pairs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated. Subtropical; 15°C - 20°C
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Sixplate 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 | 19.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 198 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sixplate 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 Sixplate sawtail.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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