The common name "surgeonfish" is derived from a characteristic that clearly distinguishes Acanthuridae from other fish families: the spines or "scalpels" on the caudal peduncle, one or more on each side. Based primarily on differences in this characteristic, the family can be divided into three subfamilies: The Acanthurinae, in which the peduncular spine rests in a groove and can be erected in defence during the fights, the Nasinae and Prionurinae in which the peduncular feature is arranged as one or more fixed blades on each side, that are sharp and elongate with age.
Powder Blue Tang - Hybrid
03606
Tangs
Powder Blue Tang - Hybrid
Acanthurus leucosternon
Care:
IntermediateDiet:
AlgivorousLight:
MediumPlace of origin:
Indian Ocean
Southern Indonesia, ranging from Sumatra to west Flores and rare in Cocos and Christmas Is., eastern Indian Ocean, where the Indian Powderblue Surgeonfish is common. Found mainly around rocky reefs subject to strong currents and occurs alone or in small groups. Acanthurus cf leucosternon is best distinguished from Acanthurus leucosternon by the blue instead of white chest, dusky anal fin, and the yellow peduncular spine is not surrounded by yellow. Adults have a white horizontal blotch under the eye , similar to A.nigricans, and some ichthyologists presumed this species to be a hybrid between A.leucosternon and A.nigricans. Length to 20cm.
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