Animal Species:Australian Sawtail, Prionurus microlepidotus Lacépède, 1804

The Australian Surgeonfish can be recognised by its grey to brownish colouration. The species occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Western Pacific.

Sawtail Surgeonfish (Juvenile) at Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales.

Sawtail Surgeonfish (Juvenile) at Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales.
Dave Harasti © Dave Harasti

Alternative Name/s

Sawtail, Sawtail Surgeonfish, Sixplate Sawtail

Identification

The Australian Surgeonfish can be recognised by its grey to brownish colouration and the row of five to six black scutes on the rear of the body.

Size range

The species grows to 70 cm in length.

Distribution

The species occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Western Pacific. In Australia it is known from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales, plus Lord Howe Island.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Australian Sawtail specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

Adults are found mostly on coastal rocky reefs. Juveniles are usually seen in estuaries and coastal bays.

Classification

Species:
microlepidotus
Genus:
Prionurus
Family:
Acanthuridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  5. Kuiter, R.H & H. Debelius. 2001. Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and their relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Acanthuroidei. TMC Publishing. Pp. 208.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Australian Sawtail, Prionurus microlepidotus, Acanthuridae,