Ocean surgeon (Acanthurus bahianus)

Scientific name: Acanthurus bahianus Castelnau, 1855

The Ocean surgeon (Acanthurus bahianus) is a marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 21–25°C (70–77°F).

Ocean surgeon care at a glance

Temperature: 21–25°C (70–77°F)

Biology

Inhabits shallow bottoms with coral or rocky formations. Usually occurs in groups of five or more individuals. Mainly diurnal species. Feeds on algae. The spine on both sides of the caudal peduncle may inflict painful wounds. Marketed fresh. Minimum depth reported from.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Acanthurus bahianus
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 38.1
Common length: 25.0
Depth range: 2–40 m (7–131 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m, usually 2 - 25 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA and Bermuda southward to the Gulf of Mexico (except in the northeast) and Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: Ascension and St. Helena islands off Angola. A recent record from Seychelles is probably a locality error.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Traumatogenic
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; bait: occasionally
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)