Teleostei (teleosts) >
Acanthuriformes (Surgeonfishes) >
Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes) > Acanthurinae
Etymology: Ctenochaetus: Greek, kteis, ktenos = comb + Greek, chaite = hair (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Bennett.
Issue
References with country records other than those from Hawaii and Johnston Islands refer to different species.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 113 m (Ref. 42056). Tropical; 21°C - 27°C (Ref. 27115); 23°N - 16°N, 170°W - 154°W
Eastern Central Pacific: endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island.
Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm 14.5 range ? - ? cm
Max length : 15.4 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 137577)
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 22 - 25. Yellow on edge of orbit broad and conspicuous (pale in preservative), especially posteriorly. Small spots on head blue, not extending onto anterior body or chest. Posterior gill rakers 30-36 (Ref 42056).
Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Benthopelagic over coral, rock, and rubble (Ref. 58302). Solitary. Mainly diurnal (Ref. 4887). Feeds on detritus by whisking its comb-like teeth over the bottom as it closes its mouth (Ref. 3921).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Spawn in pairs (Ref. 240).
Randall, J.E and K.D. Clements, 2001. Second revision of the surgeonfish genus Ctenochaetus (Perciformes: Acanthuridae), with descriptions of two new species. Indo-Pac. Fish. (32):33 p. (Ref. 42056)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Reports of ciguatera poisoning (Ref. 30298)
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
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