| Family: |
Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Acanthurinae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Indian Ocean: East Africa and the Red Sea to the Andaman Sea (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Myanmar and Thailand), western Sumarta and rare in the Christmas Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-31; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 22-24. Description: Characterized by grey body color with orange-marginated dark grey bars; lower side of body with large orange spots; head with pair of blackish bars; small orange spots on snout and breast; median fins with conspicuous pale spots; caudal peduncle with retractable spine present on each side; extremely elevated and sail-like dorsal fin; greatest depth of body 1.8-2.0 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Found in lagoon and seaward reefs to depths greater then 30 m; juveniles in sheltered inner reef areas (Ref. 9710, 48637). Adults usually occur in pairs. Juveniles solitary and commonly among staghorn corals in lagoons or protected reefs (Ref. 48637). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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