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Striped Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus)

Photo of Striped Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus)

Key facts

Scientific name
Acanthurus lineatus
Common name
Striped Surgeonfish
Category
Fish
Family
Acanthuridae
Genus
Acanthurus
Size
30–38 cm
Depth
5–50 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 lineatus reaches 38 cm. Yellow-blue striped surgeonfish with very distinctive geometric pattern. Solitary or paired, highly territorial. Defends a specific feeding zone. Herbivore actively grazing on reef slopes. Indo-Pacific tropical coral reefs, 5-50 m depth. Frequently observed but vigilant. LC (IUCN).

Photo of Striped Surgeonfish

Photo of Striped Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Striped Surgeonfish?
Striped Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) reaches 30–38 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Striped Surgeonfish?
Striped Surgeonfish is found between 5–50 m deep.
Is the Striped Surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Striped Surgeonfish?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Striped 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 159582)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5209244)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia