Elongate Surgeonfish
Acanthurus mata
- Group: Surgeonfish
- Typical depth: 5 to 100 m
- Max size: 50 cm
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: LC
A surgeonfish that gathers in midwater schools to pick plankton, often over turbid slopes near reefs and rocky bottoms. It carries a scalpel sharp spine at the base of its tail, reaches about half a metre, and forms resident spawning aggregations.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes › Acanthuridae › Acanthurus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 219651.
FAQ
- How deep does the Elongate Surgeonfish live?
- The Elongate Surgeonfish (Acanthurus mata) is typically found at 5 to 100 m.
- Is the Elongate Surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
- The Elongate Surgeonfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Elongate Surgeonfish get?
- The Elongate Surgeonfish grows to about 50 cm.