| Family: |
Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Nasinae |
| Max. size: |
60 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: Mauritius, Seychelles and Mozambique (probably wider distribution in this part of the ocean). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-30; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 26-28. Description: Characterized by grey shading to yellowish grey on ventral parts; area below hump on back densely spotted with black; broad pale blue margin on blackish dorsal fin; caudal fin with broad submarginal blackish zone; large bulbous snout and hump on back; caudal peduncle with pair of bony plates, each with forward projecting point; greatest depth of body 2.2 (subadult)-3.0 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits coral reefs (Ref. 37792). Feeds on leafy or fleshy algae and zooplankton (Ref. 37792). Found singly or in small groups (Ref. 37792). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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