Black surgeonfish (Acanthurus gahhm)

Scientific name: Acanthurus gahhm Forssk?l, 1775

The Black surgeonfish (Acanthurus gahhm) is a marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 25–27°C (77–81°F). Native range: Western Indian Ocean, endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Black surgeonfish care at a glance

Temperature: 25–27°C (77–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 23 - 26. Characterized by having 2 longitudinal bands on the side, one from the hind margin of the eye posteriorly, another from the groove around the caudal peduncle spine anteriorly. Juveniles of less than 5 cm SL lack the anterior band; less than 10 cm SL lack the posterior band. Reaches 24 cm SL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Acanthurus gahhm
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 40.0
Depth range: 1–40 m (3–131 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 40 m, usually 5 - 40 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Indian Ocean: endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Conservation status (IUCN): Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)