Acanthurus leucocheilus Herre, 1927
Palelipped surgeonfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae
Max. size:  45 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Seychelles, Maldives, Andaman Sea, Philippines, Palau, and Line Islands Reported from Indonesia (Ref. 8631). Line Islands and East Africa (Ref. 37792).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 23-23. Preserved color blackish brown; black above and behind lips; mouth encircled by a bluish white band; a wide white band across the chest; caudal base with a broad bluish white band; white peduncular spine. Fins black; pectoral with a white band on posterior third.
Biology:  Occurs in clear seaward reefs near drop-offs (Ref. 9710, 48637). Solitary or in small groups (Ref. 90102). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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