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Convict surgeonfish

Acanthurus triostegus

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Fun Facts

Convict surgeonfish have lateral lines on their body that help them detect vibrations and movement in their environment. 

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Convict surgeonfish

Size:

These fish grow to 6.7 inches (17 centimeters) long on average.

Diet:

Convict surgeonfish are herbivores, which means they only eat plant matter like algae.

Range & Habitat:

In the Indo-Pacific region and eastern Pacific Ocean, convict surgeonfish can be found in coral reef colonies, tide pools and low current beaches.

Details:

Convict surgeonfish are pale yellow-white in color with a compressed body shape, which helps them maneuver through coral and rocky environments. The “convict” name comes from their bold stripe pattern, but in addition to camouflage, these fish also have a sharp spine on each side of their tail, which they use as a defense mechanism against predators.