Acanthurus mata

(Cuvier, 1829)

Vernacular names
English : Elongate surgeonfish
French : Poisson chirurgien pâle

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

Identification
Adults can grow to 50 cm in length. Coloration light blue with visible yellow wavy lines on head and flanks. Dorsal and anal fins bright yellow. Yellow mask around eyes and forehead. Grey-blue tail. Elongated body.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to South Africa, eastwards to Marquesas Islands, north to South Japan, south to Great Barrier Reef. Lives near steep slopes in turbid waters, near coral reefs and rocky bottoms, to 100 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a large range and is locally harvested as a food fish and for the aquarium trade. Fishing isn’t considered a threat so far.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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