Teleostei (teleosts) >
Acanthuriformes (Surgeonfishes) >
Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes) > Acanthurinae
Etymology: Acanthurus: Greek, akantha = thorn + Greek, oura = tail (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Herre.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 40 m (Ref. 90102), usually 3 - 30 m (Ref. 27115). Tropical; 23°C - 27°C (Ref. 27115); 19°N - 3°N
Indo-Pacific: Seychelles, Maldives, Andaman Sea, Philippines, Palau, and Line Islands Reported from Indonesia (Ref. 8631). Line Islands and East Africa (Ref. 37792).
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 45.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 48637)
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 25; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 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.
Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
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.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Randall, J.E., 1956. A revision of the surgeonfish genus Acanthurus. Pac. Sci. 10(2):159-235. (Ref. 1920)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Tools
Special reports
Download XML
Internet sources