Ryan Photographic - Acanthuridae - Tangs & Surgeonfishes

Family Acanthuridae

The family Acanthuridae comprises of the tangs, surgeonfish and unicornfish. They are mostly tropical and typically associated with coral reefs. While the majority of species graze on algae, large schools of some species can be seen hovering in the current over coral reefs gleaning zooplankton. The name surgeonfish stems from their possession of a razor sharp caudal spine either side of the caudal peduncle. They can use this to slash at predators or unwary fishermen. Currently there are 82 species in six genera (Fishbase).

I have seen a school of tangs convict tangs move into an "algal farm" being tended by a gregory (Stegastes species) and wreak substantial damage before the damsel was able to drive them away.

Acanthurus blochii Ringtail surgeonfish

Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang

Acanthurus leucopareius Whitebar surgeonfish

FISH 6360 Acanthurus leucopareius Whitebar surgeonfish, Kona, Hawaii.

Acanthurus lineatus Striped surgeonfish

FISH 2252 Acanthurus lineatus Striped surgeonfish, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia.

Acanthurus mata Elongate or yellowmask surgeonfish

FISH 4738 Acanthurus mata Elongate or yellowmask surgeonfish, Taveuni, Fiji. The upper specimen has darkened.

FISH 4740 Acanthurus mata Elongate or yellowmask surgeonfish, Taveuni, Fiji

Acanthurus nigricans Goldrim surgeonfish

FISH 4890 crappy photo of Acanthurus nigricans Goldrim surgeonfish, Taveuni, Fiji

Acanthurus olivaceus Orangeband surgeonfish

Acanthurus pyroferus Mimic surgeonfish

FISH 4115 Acanthurus pyroferus, mimic surgeonfish, Taveuni, Fiji

Acanthurus triostegus Convict tang

Acanthurus vlamingii Bignose Unicornfish

Acanthurus xanthopterus Yellowfin surgeonfish

FISH 7200 Acanthurus xanthopterus Yellowfin surgeonfish, Kona, Hawaii.

FISH 7199 Acanthurus xanthopterus Yellowfin surgeonfish, Kona, Hawaii.

Ctenochaetus binotatus Twospot bristletooth

Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus, Bluelipped bristletooth

FISH 3389 Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus, Bluelipped bristletooth, Kadavu, Fiji

FISH 3376 Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus, Bluelipped bristletooth Kadavu, Fiji

Ctenochaetus striatus Lined bristletooth

Ctenochaetus strigosus Goldring surgeonfish

FISH 6012 Ctenochaetus strigosus Goldring surgeonfish, Kona, Hawaii.

Naso brevirostris Spotted unicornfish

FISH 4760 Naso brevirostris Spotted unicornfish, Taveuni, Fiji.

Naso caeruleacauda Bluetail unicornfish

FISH 0882 Naso caeruleacauda Bluetail unicornfish school Raja Ampat West Papua

Naso elegans Elegant unicornfish

Naso hexacanthus Sleek unicornfish

Naso lituratus Orangespine unicornfish

FISH 4416 Naso lituratus Orangespine unicornfish, Taveuni, Fiji.

Paracanthurus hepatus Blue tang

Prionurus laticlavius Razor surgeonfish

Prionurus punctatus Yellowtail surgeonfish

FISH 5350 Prionurus punctatus Yellowtail surgeonfish, Loreto, Sea of Cortez.

Zebrasoma flavescens Yellow tang

FISH 5901 Zebrasoma flavescens Yellow tang, Kona, Hawaii.

Zebrasoma velifera Pacific sailfin tang

FISH 4365 Zebrasoma velifera Pacific sailfin tang, Taveuni, Fiji.

Zebrasoma xanthurum Purple Tang Red Sea

Fishes

 Photo Library