Scalpel sawtail (Prionurus scalprum) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan runs summer.
Scientific name: Prionurus scalprum · Water: Saltwater · Season: Summer
Size: up to 50 cm
The Scalpel sawtail is an acanthurid, one of the surgeonfishes or tangs. It has a short, deep and compressed body, and its defining feature is the sharp forward-pointing spine on the side of the caudal peduncle, at the base of which sits a glandular groove and a venom gland, which is why the family carries the sawtail name in Chinese. It gathers in groups in shallow, surge-swept rocky areas, usually between 2 and 20 m, where it grazes on algae, and in Hong Kong it is in season in summer. Hooked, it pulls hard and darts about. Hong Kong knows it as 豬哥魚 and Taiwan as 黑豬哥. It is a high-value food fish and a demanding target, reaching about 50 cm total length. IUCN lists it as Data Deficient.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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