The Japan surgeonfish belongs to the family Acanthuridae and is a coral reef-dwelling fish species found in tropical and subtropical marine regions. The species prefers shallow, exposed reef areas with a high proportion of rocky and hard substrates. It occurs both solitary and in groups. Characteristic features include a broad white band between the eye and the upper lip, a bright orange band in the soft-rayed portion of the dorsal fin, and a yellow base of the tail that transitions forward into a black color.
The Japanese surgeonfish feeds primarily on small algae. Like all surgeonfish, the Japanese surgeonfish has a sharp, movable bony spine on either side of the base of its tail, known as the “scalpel.” These thorn-like structures can be raised when threatened and serve primarily as a defense against potential predators as well as in intraspecific conflicts. The name "surgeonfish" is derived from these characteristic scalpel-like projections.
There are currently no specific conservation measures in place; however, its range overlaps with several marine protected areas, which means that its populations are indirectly protected in some areas.
Taxonomy
family of surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), Acanthurus (86 species)
Habitat
lagoons, coral reefs, at depths of 5 to 10 m in tropical waters ranging from 24 to 28°C
Social structure
small to large groups, and sometimes solitary