Spotted surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus strigosus)

Scientific name: Ctenochaetus strigosus Bennett, 1828

The Spotted surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus strigosus) is a marine fish of the family Acanthuridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 21–27°C (70–81°F). Native range: Eastern Central Pacific, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island. Western Central Pacific: Australia.

Spotted surgeonfish care at a glance

Temperature: 21–27°C (70–81°F)

Biology

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

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 14.6
Depth range: 1–113 m (3–371 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 113 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Eastern Central Pacific: endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island. Western Central Pacific: Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.9)