Pale Surgeonfish, Acanthurus mata (Cuvier, 1829)

Scientific name: Acanthurus mata
Alternative name/s:
Elongate Surgeonfish, Yellowmask Surgeonfish
Pale Surgeonfish, <i>Acanthurus mata</i> Click to enlarge image
A Pale Surgeonfish, Acanthurus mata, at a depth of 15m, the Cod Hole, outer barrier reef off Lizard Island, Queensland, 26 June.2002. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Acanthurus
    Species
    mata
    Family
    Acanthuridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Distribution

It is an Indo-Pacific species.

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.

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. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.