Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 2–25 m.
Scientific name: Acanthurus chirurgus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 39 cm
The doctorfish is an acanthurid of shallow reefs and rocky areas from 2 to 25 m, found in loose aggregations and active by day. It ingests sand while feeding on algae, and the spine on each side of the caudal peduncle can inflict painful wounds. Its range is the western Atlantic, from Massachusetts and Bermuda through the Gulf of Mexico to São Paulo in Brazil, and the eastern Atlantic at Senegal and Ascension Island. Maximum length is about 39 cm total length, commonly about 35 cm. It is taken by minor commercial fishing, is a game fish and is sold for aquariums at a medium price. Trophic level is 2.1, fishing vulnerability low at 23 of 100, and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Back to home · United States · Species library