Dive with the Surgeonfish

Iconic species of Polynesian and Hawaiian reefs, the Achilles Tang is immediately recognizable by its dark silhouette marked with a large orange drop-shaped spot. It is seen in wave-swept areas, always on the move, grazing on algae attached to rocks.

The powderblue surgeonfish typically measures around twenty centimeters but some rare individuals reach forty. This herbivore is common from East Asia to Bali. It gets its name from the white spot under its snout.

Easily recognizable by its horizontal black and blue stripes on a yellow background, this surgeonfish is a compulsive swimmer. Large males control well-defined feeding territories and surround themselves with a harem of females.

Named the pale surgeonfish due to its pastel blue-gray color, this fish is a common resident of the coral areas of the Indo-Pacific. It is regularly observed in schools of hundreds of individuals not far from the reefs.

Adult, Acanthurus olivaceus has a brownish body with a vertical orange spot. The young also have this spot, but they are fluorescent yellow. This fish feeds on fine filamentous algae covering rocks and sand.

The chocolate surgeonfish, A. pyroferus, gets its name from its color gradient. In addition to this morphological characteristic, this typically solitary species in adulthood is known for its lively and bold nature.

The sohal surgeonfish is native to the Persian Gulf, but an invasive population has established itself on the Greek coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. This territorial fish mainly lives alone, feeding on algae (sargassum) in outer reefs.

The convict surgeonfish are common inhabitants of the lagoons and seagrass beds of the Indo-Pacific region. Fond of filamentous algae, these herbivorous fish are often found in mangroves and estuaries, at the edge of freshwater. They are easily recognizable by their vertical black stripes.

Acanthurus xanthopterus is a large surgeonfish found throughout the Indo-Pacific and the eastern Pacific. A benthopelagic species, it lives up to 34 years, reaches 70 cm in length, and feeds on algae, detritus, and organic matter.

Ctenochaetus striatus, elegantly named the "striated surgeonfish", is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the lagoons of La Réunion and Mauritius. In Tahiti, during the full moon, this fish displays a natural spectacle: large schools form, and after a brief moment of stillness, each individual breaks away to release eggs or sperm.

The name 'unicornfish' refers to the protrusions found in adult individuals. These unicornfish inhabit the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Throughout their growth, these fish continuously change colors and patterns. They usually live in small groups, but large schools can form in areas with strong ocean currents.

Young orangespine unicornfish live near rocky reefs, in the company of other surgeonfish. As adults, these fish find their food, leafy brown algae, in coral or rocky areas. They usually live in small groups.

This large unicorn fish is a common inhabitant of lagoons and reefs with strong currents. Primarily diurnal, it feeds on brown algae like sargassum. It can be encountered in small groups or solitary.

Naso vlamingii, more commonly known as the bignose unicornfish, is a surgeonfish found in much of the Indo-Pacific. It has a bump above its mouth from which a blue stripe runs to the base of its eyes. It has the ability to make this stripe appear or disappear.

The palette surgeonfish sports a pair of venomous, erectable scalpel spines at the base of its tail, used for self-defense against predators. It primarily dwells in small groups within coastal reefs. Its electric blue color inspired the character of Dory in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory".

The Indian sail-fin surgeonfish is a tropical fish native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific. This fish has very large dorsal and anal fins, which it can use to double its size. It uses these features to impress its counterparts during courtship.

The twotone tang, like its counterparts, possesses scalpels at the base of the caudal fin. In times of danger, it can extend two small blades for protection against predators. Adults of these fish typically live in groups of around twenty individuals. They gather in large schools to spawn during the breeding season. They are exclusively herbivorous and graze on algae in coral-rich areas.

These surgeonfish are exclusively herbivorous, feeding on leafy algae near the reefs. The juveniles live alone among rocks or corals at shallow depths.