Achilles Surgeonfish (Acanthurus achilles)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Acanthurus achilles
- Common name
- Achilles Surgeonfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Acanthurus
- Size
- 21–26 cm
- Depth
- 10–80 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary, territorial
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Acanthurus achilles reaches 26 cm. Jet-black surgeonfish with bright red tail (Achilles' heel). Solitary, extremely territorial and aggressive. Charges intruders. Passive herbivore. Indo-Pacific tropical coral reefs, 10-80 m depth. Deserves respect in diving. LC (IUCN).
Photo of Achilles Surgeonfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Achilles Surgeonfish?
- Achilles Surgeonfish (Acanthurus achilles) reaches 21–26 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Achilles Surgeonfish?
- Achilles Surgeonfish is found between 10–80 m deep.
- Is the Achilles Surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Achilles Surgeonfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Achilles Surgeonfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Other species in the genus Acanthurus
- Acanthurus chirurgus - Doctorfish
- Acanthurus tractus - Atlantic blue tang
- Acanthurus pyroferus - Mimic Surgeonfish
- Acanthurus lineatus - Striped Surgeonfish
- Acanthurus sohal - Sohal surgeonfish
- Acanthurus leucosternon - Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Other species in the family Acanthuridae
- Prionurus punctatus - Yellowtail surgeonfish
- Naso lituratus - Orangespine unicornfish
- Naso vlamingii - Vlaming's unicornfish
- Prionurus laticlavius - Blackstriped Surgeon
- Zebrasoma xanthurum - Yellowtail tang
- Zebrasoma desjardinii - Sailfin tang
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 272957)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5209178)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia