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Doctorfish Tang

Doctorfish tang

Acanthurus chirurgus

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Fun Facts

These fish spawn in groups during evening time.

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Doctorfish tang

Size:

These fish grow to a maximum length of 14 inches (35 centimeters).

Diet:

Doctorfish graze on algae and organic material found in compacted sand and rocky bottom areas.

Range & Habitat:

In the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, doctorfish can be found in rocky bottom habitats and shallow coral reef communities.

Details:

Doctorfish have a flat, oval-shaped body with a grayish-blue or brownish coloration. Thin, darker vertical stripes run along their sides, and their dorsal and anal fins are edged in blue. Like other surgeonfish, they have sharp, scalpel-like spines near the base of their tail for defense.