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.

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.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Prionurus microlepidotus

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Australian Sawtail specimens in the Australian Museum.

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, brown, red, yellow, round, 30 cm - 1 m, no-pattern, rocky reef, marine, adult,