Hawaiian Surgeonfish

Max length : 25.0 cm TL 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.

Chevron Tang

An uncommon species that inhabits seaward rocky or coral reefs. Juveniles found in relatively deep coral rich areas. Benthopelagic. Feeds on film algae

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-29; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 25 - 26. Gill rakers on anterior row 21-25, on posterior row 25. Juveniles differ greatly from adults. They have deeper bodies and are bright orange-red with numerous dark chevrons. Adults appear uniformly black from a distance but actually have numerous dark green horizontal pinstripes.

Summary of Distribution: Pacific Ocean: throughout most Oceania, from Micronesia, Wake and Marcus islands to the Hawaiian Islands and Pitcairn Island.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)