: A single, depressible sharp spine resides in a groove on each side of the caudal peduncle, which can inflict painful wounds on predators or handlers.
Acanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish : fisheries, gamefish, aquarium
Biology Glossary (e.g. epibenthic) Inhabits shallow reefs or rocky areas. Found in loose aggregations (Ref. 9710). Mainly diurnal. Search FishBase
: Deep, strongly compressed oval body with a steep head profile and small, low-set mouth.
: Typically gray-brown to greenish-gray, marked by 8 to 12 narrow dark vertical bars on the posterior flanks.
Acanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish : fisheries, gamefish, aquarium
Species Report: Acanthurus chirurgus (Doctorfish) Acanthurus chirurgus , commonly known as the , is a marine reef fish in the surgeonfish family ( Acanthuridae ). First described by Bloch in 1787, its name is derived from the Greek "acantha" (thorn) and "oura" (tail), referring to the sharp, scalpel-like spines on either side of its tail base. 1. Physical Characteristics
: Reaches a maximum length of approximately 34–38 cm, though most individuals are around 25 cm. They can live up to at least 11 years. 2. Habitat and Distribution
: A single, depressible sharp spine resides in a groove on each side of the caudal peduncle, which can inflict painful wounds on predators or handlers.
Acanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish : fisheries, gamefish, aquarium
Biology Glossary (e.g. epibenthic) Inhabits shallow reefs or rocky areas. Found in loose aggregations (Ref. 9710). Mainly diurnal. Search FishBase acanthurus chirurgus
: Deep, strongly compressed oval body with a steep head profile and small, low-set mouth.
: Typically gray-brown to greenish-gray, marked by 8 to 12 narrow dark vertical bars on the posterior flanks. : A single, depressible sharp spine resides in
Acanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish : fisheries, gamefish, aquarium
Species Report: Acanthurus chirurgus (Doctorfish) Acanthurus chirurgus , commonly known as the , is a marine reef fish in the surgeonfish family ( Acanthuridae ). First described by Bloch in 1787, its name is derived from the Greek "acantha" (thorn) and "oura" (tail), referring to the sharp, scalpel-like spines on either side of its tail base. 1. Physical Characteristics Found in loose aggregations (Ref
: Reaches a maximum length of approximately 34–38 cm, though most individuals are around 25 cm. They can live up to at least 11 years. 2. Habitat and Distribution