Common names from other countries
Teleostei (teleosts) >
Acanthuriformes (Surgeonfishes) >
Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes) > Acanthurinae
Etymology: Acanthurus: Greek, akantha = thorn + Greek, oura = tail (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Forsskål.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - ? m (Ref. 27115), usually 0 - 20 m (Ref. 27115). Tropical; 24°C - 30°C (Ref. 27115); 30°N - 2°S, 32°E - 122°E
Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Persian Gulf.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 40.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 30573)
A common species found in seaward edges of reefs exposed to surge (Ref. 9710). Aggressive and territorial (Ref. 9710). Feeds on various kinds of algae, mainly Sargassum, and fine filamentous green algae. Caught with nets (Ref. 30573); traps and occasionally by trawls (Ref. 68964).
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
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