Blackstriped Surgeon (Prionurus laticlavius)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Prionurus laticlavius
- Common name
- Blackstriped Surgeon
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Prionurus
- Size
- 20–35 cm
- Depth
- 2–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, schooling
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Prionurus laticlavius reaches 35 cm. Surgeon (Acanthuridae) Indo-Pacific tropical, abundant Galapagos & East Pacific. Gray-blue dorsal, white-yellow ventral, distinctive black stripe on dorsal edge (profile). Algal herbivore. Schooling on rocky & coral reefs 2-30 m. Venomous lateral spine. Highly observed, few threats = LC. Essential algal regulation for reef health.
Photo of Blackstriped Surgeon
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Blackstriped Surgeon?
- Blackstriped Surgeon (Prionurus laticlavius) reaches 20–35 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Blackstriped Surgeon?
- Blackstriped Surgeon is found between 2–30 m deep.
- Is the Blackstriped Surgeon dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Blackstriped Surgeon?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Blackstriped Surgeon?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Prionurus
Other species in the family Acanthuridae
- Acanthurus chirurgus - Doctorfish
- Acanthurus tractus - Atlantic blue tang
- Naso lituratus - Orangespine unicornfish
- Naso vlamingii - Vlaming's unicornfish
- Acanthurus pyroferus - Mimic Surgeonfish
- Acanthurus lineatus - Striped Surgeonfish
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 282346)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5209135)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia