Teleostei (teleosts) >
Acanthuriformes (Surgeonfishes) >
Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes) > Acanthurinae
Etymology: Acanthurus: Greek, akantha = thorn + Greek, oura = tail (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Randall.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 30 m (Ref. 90102). Tropical; 24°N - 9°S, 71°E - 116°E
Indian Ocean: Bay of Bengal (Ref. 8940) and the Andaman Sea west to Maldives and Chagos Archipelago, and east to islands of southern Indonesia at least to Bali.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 25.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9710)
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 33; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 22 - 29. Margin of caudal fin narrow and white. No orange area behind gill opening and extending ventrally behind base of pectoral fins (juveniles mimic the angelfish Centropyge eibli) (Ref 9808).
Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep.
Occurs in shallow lagoon and seaward reefs, in areas of mixed coral, rock or sand. Juveniles mimic the cryptic Centropyge eibli (Ref. 9710, 48637).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Randall, J.E., 1993. Acanthurus tristis, a valid Indian ocean surgeonfish (Perciformes: Acanthuridae). Spec. Publ. J.L.B. Smith Inst. Ichth. (54):1-8. (Ref. 8940)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
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