Palette Surgeonfish
Paracanthurus hepatus
- Group: Surgeonfish
- Typical depth: 2 to 40 m
- Max size: 31 cm
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: LC
Bright blue with a bold black pattern and a yellow tail, this surgeonfish hovers a metre or two above current swept reef terraces. When startled, the young dart into branching coral and wedge themselves among the branches. Like other surgeonfish it carries a sharp, venomous blade near the tail.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes › Acanthuridae › Paracanthurus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 219676.
FAQ
- How deep does the Palette Surgeonfish live?
- The Palette Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus) is typically found at 2 to 40 m.
- Is the Palette Surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
- The Palette Surgeonfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Palette Surgeonfish get?
- The Palette Surgeonfish grows to about 31 cm.