Inshore Surgeonfish (species: Acanthurus grammoptilus) in Frankland Island Group, QLD (Gaia Guide)
Acanthurus grammoptilus
Inshore Surgeonfish


©Andy: A sub-adult Inshore Surgeonfish

©David Witherall and Travis Weddle: Inshore Surgeonfish (Acanthurus grammoptilus)

©G. Edgar: Inshore Surgeonfish (Acanthurus grammoptilus)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Perciformes
Family Acanthuridae
Genus Acanthurus
Species Acanthurus grammoptilus

Colours

                   

Distinguishing features

A medium sized, dark brown fish which appears almost black underwater when viewed from a distance. The white tail ring is distinctive. Distinguish from the other Acanthurus species by the yellow outer margin of the pectoral fins, the white tail margin, the small yellow spots on the cheek, and the lack of a distinct yellow band or blotch near the eye.

Size

  • Up to 35 cm (Standard length)

Depth range

  • Depth range data is not yet available.

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Areas of turf algae and coral rubble on sheltered lagoonal reef flats and slopes.

Found in most reef habitats around the island, although most abundant in sheltered back-reef areas.

Behaviour

The Inshore surgeonfish is a roving herbivore, moving around the reef in schools and feeding on the fine turf algae. The surgeonfish are a very long lived group of fishes - after settlement to the reef, juveniles grow quickly and reach 80% of their maximum size in about 3 years, and then grow very slowly thereafter. Many of them live from 30-50years. They spawn in groups during the warmer months, when fast running tidal currents coincide with dawn and dusk.

Web resources

Danger

  • unspecified - There are a pair of poisonous bony knives at the base of the tail, which can be used to inflict a painful stabbing wound if the fish is handled.

References

  • Choat, J.H. and L.M. Axe (1996). Growth and longevity in acanthurid fishes; an analysis of otolith increments, Marine Ecology Progress Series, 134: 15-26. LIRS catalog number 460.
  • Choat, J.H., K.D. Clements and W.D. Robbins (2002). The tropic status of herbivorous fishes on coral reefs. 1. Dietary analyses, Marine Biology, 140: 613-623. LIRS catalog number 729.
  • Choat, J.H., K.D. Clements and W.D. Robbins (2004). The trophic status of herbivorous fishes on coral reefs 2: Food processing modes and trophodynamics, Marine Biology, 145: 445-454. LIRS catalog number 1202.