diving.voyage
Surgeonfish

Marine life profile

Surgeonfish

Recorded at 2126 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Surgeonfish around the world

The Acanthuridae are a family of ray-finned fish which includes surgeonfishes, tangs, and unicornfishes. It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Dive sites2126
Countries65
Animal groupReef Fish
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Use body shape, fin outline, color pattern and swimming style to separate it from the surrounding reef community.

How It Behaves

It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Special Ability

Precise fins and a body shaped for its niche let it turn, hover or accelerate exactly where food and shelter demand.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.

Safety

Usually safe to observe at a respectful distance. Never feed, corner or touch a fish, especially near nests or cleaning stations.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

The family includes about 86 extant species of marine fishes living in tropical seas, usually around coral reefs.

Where to Find

Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.

Known countries

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaMauritiusIndonesiaPhilippinesEgyptUnited States of America (USA)BrazilIndiaMaldivesSint MaartenGrenadaOmanSolomon IslandsMexico