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Orange-mouth Surgeonfish (Acanthurus auranticavus)

Key facts

Scientific name
Acanthurus auranticavus
Common name
Orange-mouth Surgeonfish
Category
Fish
Family
Acanthuridae
Genus
Acanthurus
Size
30–40 cm
Depth
10–60 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
coral-reef
Behaviours
benthic, solitary, territorial
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Acanthurus auranticavus reaches 40 cm. Gray surgeonfish with bright contrasting orange mouth. Solitary, territorial species. Frequents deeper reef zones. Discreet herbivore. Indo-Pacific tropical coral reefs, 10-60 m depth. Less common observation. LC (IUCN).

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Orange-mouth Surgeonfish?
Orange-mouth Surgeonfish (Acanthurus auranticavus) reaches 30–40 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Orange-mouth Surgeonfish?
Orange-mouth Surgeonfish is found between 10–60 m deep.
Is the Orange-mouth Surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Orange-mouth Surgeonfish?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Orange-mouth Surgeonfish?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Acanthurus

  • Acanthurus coeruleus - Blue tang surgeonfish
  • Acanthurus chirurgus - Doctorfish
  • Acanthurus tractus - Atlantic blue tang
  • Acanthurus sohal - Sohal surgeonfish
  • Acanthurus achilles - Achilles Surgeonfish
  • Acanthurus tennentii - Tennent's Surgeonfish

Other species in the family Acanthuridae

  • Naso lituratus - Orangespine unicornfish
  • Zebrasoma xanthurum - Yellowtail tang
  • Zebrasoma desjardinii - Sailfin tang
  • Naso brevirostris - Short-nosed unicornfish
  • Paracanthurus hepatus - Blue tang
  • Zebrasoma flavescens - Yellow tang

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 219633)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5209158)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia