Powder Blue Surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucosternon)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Acanthurus leucosternon
- Common name
- Powder Blue Surgeonfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Acanthurus
- Size
- 20–25 cm
- Depth
- 5–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, schooling
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Acanthurus leucosternon reaches 25 cm. Electric blue surgeonfish, among the most beautiful reef fish. Characteristic white facial mask, venomous Y-shaped spines at tail base. Schooling species forming small groups. Specialized herbivore, grazes algae and biofilm. Indo-Pacific tropical coral reefs, 5 to 60 m depth. Regularly observed in diving. LC (IUCN).
Photo of Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Powder Blue Surgeonfish?
- Powder Blue Surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucosternon) reaches 20–25 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Powder Blue Surgeonfish?
- Powder Blue Surgeonfish is found between 5–60 m deep.
- Is the Powder Blue Surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Powder Blue Surgeonfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Powder Blue Surgeonfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
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 japonicus - Japan 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 219628)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5209210)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia