Powder-blue surgeonfish

Biology

The powder-blue surgeonfish lives singly or in small schools in clear and shallow waters near coral reefs. It is herbivorous and feeds on algae that it scratches from the rocks with its brush-shaped teeth. Even though the sexes are separated, males are only distinguished from females during the mating season by exhibiting courtship colours.

Conservation

This species has a wide range and even though there are populations of which little is known, the great majority are found in marine reserves. The great threat to the powder-blue surgeonfish is the degradation of coral reefs.

Curiosities

The whole family of surgeonfishes is distinguished from other coral fishes by the presence of one or more spines near the caudal fin. It scientific name comes from the greek “akanthos” which means thorn. These spines are used as a defence weapon, inflicting deep wounds.