ANIMAL SPECIES:Striped Surgeonfish, Acanthurus lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
The Striped Surgeonfish can be easily recognised by its colouration. The upper three-quarters of the head and body are covered with black-edged, blue and yellow stripes. The lower quarter is purple to pale blue.
Alternative Name/s
Blue-lined Surgeonfish, Striped Tang, Zebra SurgeonfishIdentification
The Striped Surgeonfish can be easily recognised by its colouration. The upper three-quarters of the head and body are covered with black-edged, blue and yellow stripes. The lower quarter is purple to pale blue. It has a lunate caudal fin and a long spine on the caudal peduncle.
Size range
The Striped Surgeonfish grows to 38 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs throughout much of the central and Indo-Pacific.
In Australia it is known from off north-western Western Australia and from the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland to northern New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Striped Surgeonfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It occurs on exposed coral reefs.
Living with us
Economic/social impacts
The Striped Surgeonfish is a popular aquarium species but a large tank is necessary because the species grows to 38 cm in length.
Classification
- Species:
- lineatus
- Genus:
- Acanthurus
- Family:
- Acanthuridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
A Striped Surgeonfish at Osprey Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Support us
Your support will have a real impact.
Online Shop
Great gifts.
Australian Museum Members
Join today.
Australian Museum Business Services
Professional consulting.
Museum as a Venue
Unique spaces.
Media Resources
Contact Publicity.