Sohal surgeonfish

Acanthurus sohal

Older male Sohal surgeonfish develop a bump on their foreheads and are very territorial.

LC

Red List
Least Concern

A characteristic feature of all surgeonfish is the sharp, bony scalpel-like spines (swords) at the base of the tail. These razor-sharp spines are used for defense, rarely for attack. Under normal conditions, they lie tucked into a skin fold directly against the body, but are bent outward by the flick of the tail. A sting from the whitish spine can cause a painful wound. Some species also have a dorsal fin spine equipped with poison glands. A sting can therefore cause painful swelling that lasts for weeks.

Taxonomy

family of surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), Acanthurus (86 species)

Habitat

coral-rich fringing reefs in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf

Behaviour and ecology

as juveniles, they travel alone or in groups with other species; as adults, they form harem territories

Diet

algae and saltwater crustaceans

Taxonomy

family of surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), Acanthurus (86 species)

Habitat

coral-rich fringing reefs in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf

Behaviour and ecology

as juveniles, they travel alone or in groups with other species; as adults, they form harem territories

Diet

algae and saltwater crustaceans

Back to overview