---
title: Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae)
scientific_name: Acanthuridae
common_name: Surgeonfishes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:20:25.634Z
tags: Surgeonfishes, Acanthuridae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes
---

# Surgeonfishes (*Acanthuridae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Acanthuridae
- **Body shape:** Oval - Egg-shaped body, deeper than it is thick - damselfishes, surgeonfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 7

## How to recognise this group

- oval, deeper than thick body
- sharp, retractable scalpel-like spine(s) on caudal peduncle
- small mouth

Surgeonfishes are oval, laterally compressed reef fishes, named for the sharp, retractable, scalpel-like spine on each side of their caudal peduncle. These fishes typically measure between 15 and 38 cm (6-15 inches), though some species grow larger. They possess a continuous dorsal fin and a small mouth. Body coloration varies widely among species, often featuring shades of blue, yellow, orange, or brown, with many displaying intricate patterns or vertical stripes.

These diurnal fishes are commonly encountered on shallow reef flats, slopes, and drop-offs, found down to at least 40 m (130 ft). Primarily herbivorous, they graze on benthic algae using their specialised teeth and small mouths, the shape of which varies across species, adapted for different algal types. Many species form large, often transient, schools that roam across the reef, while others are solitary or live in small groups, defending feeding territories. The caudal spine can be quickly extended for defence against predators or rivals.


## Species (7)

- [Bluelined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus mata)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes/bluelined-surgeonfish)
- [Brown Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes/brown-surgeonfish)
- [Desjardin's Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes/desjardins-sailfin-tang)
- [Lined Bristletooth (Ctenochaetus striatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes/lined-bristletooth)
- [Red Sea Surgeonfish (Acanthurus gahhm)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes/red-sea-surgeonfish)
- [Sohal Surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes/sohal-surgeonfish)
- [Yellowtail Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes/yellowtail-tang)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/surgeonfishes)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*