Orange-socket Surgeonfish (species: Acanthurus auranticavus) in Lady Elliot Island (Gaia Guide)
Lady Elliot Island > Marine Vertebrates > Actinopterygii > Acanthuridae > Acanthurus auranticavus (gallery)
Acanthurus auranticavus
Orange-socket Surgeonfish


©Dennis Polack: Unsexed Orange-socket Surgeonfish (Acanthurus auranticavus)

©Sally Polack: Juvenile Orange-socket Surgeonfish (Acanthurus auranticavus)

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Perciformes
Family Acanthuridae
Genus Acanthurus
Species Acanthurus auranticavus

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Colours

                        

Distinguishing features

Color in life dark brown; orange brown from pectoral base downward; caudal spine socket bright orange; orange blotch before and behind pupil; caudal fin base with a white band (FishBase).

Size

  • Up to 45 cm (Standard Length)

Depth range

  • From 3 m to 8 m

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Inhabits shallow reefs, both in lagoons and outer reef areas. Frequently moves in groups. Juveniles found between soft corals in lagoons at depths of up to 2 m (FishBase).

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