Goldring Surgeonfish

Max length : 15.0 cm SL male/unsexed

Family	Acanthuridae
Description	Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes
Environment	Marine
Etymology	Greek, akantha = thorn + oura = tail
Genus	6
No. of Species	82
Order	Perciformes
Class	Actinopterygii
Reproductive Guild	Nonguarders
Distribution	Circumtropical, especially around coral reefs; five species in the Atlantic, the remaining in the Pacific and Indian oceans. All have a deep compressed body with the eye high on the head and a long preorbital bone. Single unnotched dorsal fin with 4-9 spines and 19-31 rays; anal fin with 2 (only Naso) or 3 spines and 19-36 rays; pelvic fins with 1 spine and 3 (Naso and Paracanthurus) or 5 rays. Very small ctenoid scales. A small terminal mouth with a single row of close-set teeth. Most surgeon fishes graze on benthic algae and have a long intestine; some feed mainly on zooplankton or detritus. Surgeon fishes are able to slash other fishes with their sharp caudal spines by a rapid side sweep of the tail. Pelagic spawners. Many species have bright colors and are popular aquarium fishes.

Goldenring, Spotted Surgeonfish

Benthopelagic over coral, rock, and rubble (Ref. 58302). Solitary. Mainly diurnal (Ref. 4887). Feeds on detritus by whisking its comb-like teeth over the bottom as it closes its mouth

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 22 - 25. C. strigosus differs from C. striatus by having a more truncate tail and a pale yellowish ring around the eye. Yellow on edge of orbit broad and conspicuous (pale in preservative), especially posteriorly. Small spots on head blue, not extending onto anterior body or chest. Posterior gill rakers 30-36

Summary of Distribution: Eastern Central Pacific: endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island. Western Central Pacific: Australia.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)