Blue Tang Surgeonfish
Acanthurus coeruleus
- Group: Surgeonfish
- Typical depth: 2–50 m
- Max size: 39 cm
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: LC
Deep blue all over as an adult, the blue tang grazes algae across coral reefs and inshore grassy or rocky flats, a scalpel sharp spine folded at the base of its tail. Young fish set up cleaning stations, picking parasites and dead skin from larger visitors.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes › Acanthuridae › Acanthurus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 159581.
FAQ
- How deep does the Blue Tang Surgeonfish live?
- The Blue Tang Surgeonfish (Acanthurus coeruleus) is typically found at 2–50 m.
- Is the Blue Tang Surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
- The Blue Tang Surgeonfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Blue Tang Surgeonfish get?
- The Blue Tang Surgeonfish grows to about 39 cm.