|
|
Blue Tang
Acanthurus coeruleus
Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Code
Summary
Saltwater fish, Surgeonfish. A laterally compressed,
pancake-shaped
fish with high eyes. The sharp caudal spine is found in a horizontal
groove at the beginning of the tail.
To be confused with
- Ocean Surgeonfish Acanthurus bahianus, very similar in size and
colour.
Characteristics
Size: 20-25 cm, max 38 cm.
Colour: Adult colouration is deep blue, but are able to change colour between near-black and pale white. The juvenile is initially pale yellow, changing to bright yellow with blue crescents on the eyes (above and below) and light blue edges on the dorsal and anal fins. The colour chages occur with age, regardless of size: some blue adults may be smaller than large yellow juveniles.
Shape: A laterally compressed, pancake-shaped fish with high eye.
Fins etc.: The sharp caudal spine is found in a horizontal groove at the beginning of the tail.
Habitat environment and ecology
It inhabits shallow reefs, usually seen by day in large groups with
other doctorfish. It feeds by day nibbling on algae neer the reeftop.
Distribution range
St. Eustatius. BES-eilanden.
Author
[Marion Haarsma, feb 2016]
Literature
-
DeLoach, N., & Humann, P. (2002). Reef Fish Identification -
Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 3th Edition. New World Publications, Inc.
Categorieën:
Soorten,
Vissen
Commentaar
Grafieken