Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae)

 

The Acanthuridae include 6-9 genera and 84-85 species of surgeonfishes, tangs, and unicornfishes. They occur in tropical and subtropical seas nearly worldwide, but are most diverse in the Pacific and Indian oceans; usually at coral reefs, over sandy bottoms or seagrass beds. Bodies are compressed, 15-40 cm long, although some species grow to 1 m or longer; small mouth; large dorsal and anal fins; sharp spines on either side of the tail base. Many species are brightly colored. The majority feed on benthic algae, but some on zooplankton. Often travel and feed in schools, e.g., with other surgeonfishes or unrelated species.

 

		Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus)
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