Acanthurus achilles

(Shaw, 1803)

Vernacular names
English : Achilles tang
French : Poisson chirurgien d’Achille

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Acanthuriformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Acanthuridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Maximum length is 24 cm. This species is unmistakable with its blackish-brown coloration featuring a large teardrop shaped orange spot on rear of body. Orange base and white margin to anal, dorsal and caudal fins.

Range and habitat
Pacific Ocean from New Guinea and Micronesia to Hawaii and Baja California. Lives in clear seaward reefs, usually at depths between 0 and 8 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is locally common in the wild. Some local declines have occurred due to overharvesting of this species for aquarium trade in Hawaii.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Surgeonfishes and relatives” page