powderblue Surgeonfish
| Family | Acanthuridae |
|---|---|
| Genus | Acanthurus |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
Introduction
The powderblue surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucosternon) is a tropical reef fish from the Indian Ocean. Recognizable by its bright blue color, black head, and white chest, it is an active algae grazer, inhabiting shallow coral reefs and outer reef slopes.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size20 cm
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Maximum size35 cm
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ShapeOvoid
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Type
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Average size20 cm
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Maximum size35 cm
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ShapeOvoid
How to recognize This fish ?
This species has a laterally compressed, oval-shaped body with a straight forehead. The head is black and the chest is white, which gives it its common name.
The flanks are royal blue, the dorsal, pectoral, and caudal peduncle are bright yellow, the ventral and anal fins are white, and the caudal fin is white framed in black. The outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins run parallel to the body along their entire length.
Sexual dimorphism
In this species, the sexes are separate and do not show marked dimorphism.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietomnivorous with herbivorous tendency
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
An energetic species, Acanthurus leucosternon feeds on benthic algae by grazing along the reefs. Territorial and combative, it vigorously defends its living area against its conspecifics and other herbivorous fish. It can live solitarily or form feeding aggregations.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond en eau libre
Reproduction occurs in pairs during courtship displays. Spawning is pelagic, with the eggs being released into open water where they drift until the larvae hatch.
Harmless species
This species does not pose a particular danger to humans when encountered in its natural habitat.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The powderblue surgeonfish is found in the Indian Ocean, from the East African coast and the Gulf of Oman to Indonesia (Sunda Islands, Bali, Komodo) and the Andaman Sea. It can also be found in the Maldives, the Seychelles, Mauritius Island, Réunion Island, and Christmas Island. It is not present in the Red Sea.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature23 - 27 °C
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Depth1 - 25 m
Biotope presentation
This species lives between 0 and 25 meters deep in clear coral reefs, particularly on shallow reefs and exposed outer slopes. It favors areas rich in filamentous algae, which make up the bulk of its diet.
To go further
Species of the same family
Espèces du même genre
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Adrien Falzon
Francois Libert
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Marine Kassel
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
