Doctorfish

Biology

The surgeonfish has two blades on both sides of the base of the caudal fin. These blades project outward and are used for defence. It lives in shallow water, between 3 and 20 metres, near rocks and coral reefs.

Conservation

Surgeonfish is heavily fished in parts of its range, particularly Haiti and Jamaica. It is also affected by loss and degradation of coral reef areas.

Curiosities

In some places juveniles may be found in cleaning stations where they feed on algae, molted skin, and parasites on green turtles (Chelonia mydas). This behaviour is preceded by a characteristic inspection. The most inspected and cleaned body parts are the flippers.