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Family Acanthuridae - Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes

Order:

Perciformes

Class:

Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

No. of Genera:

No. of Species:

Environment:

Fresh: No Brackish: No Marine: Yes

Aquarium:

many

First Fossil Record:

lower Tertiary, Eocene Ref.: Nelson, J.S..1994

Remark:

Distribution: Circumtropical, especially around coral reefs; five species in the Atlantic, the remaining in the Pacific and Indian oceans. All have a deep compressed body with the eye high on the head and a long preorbital bone. Single unnotched dorsal fin with 4-9 spines and 19-31 rays; anal fin with 2 (only Naso) or 3 spines and 19-36 rays; pelvic fins with 1 spine and 3 (Naso and Paracanthurus) or 5 rays. Very small ctenoid scales. A small terminal mouth with a single row of close-set teeth. Most surgeon fishes graze on benthic algae and have a long intestine; some feed mainly on zooplankton or detritus. Surgeon fishes are able to slash other fishes with their sharp caudal spines by a rapid side sweep of the tail. Pelagic spawners. Many species have bright colors and are popular aquarium fishes.

Etymology:

Greek, akantha = thorn + oura = tail ( Ref. 45335).

Division:

Marine

Reproductive guild:

nonguarders

Typical activity level:

normal

Main Ref.:

Nelson, J.S..1994

Coordinator:

Randall, John E.

Show species | Nominal species list for Acanthuridae | Identification keys | CAS specimen photos | References

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