Sealife guideThe Acanthuridae familyThe taxonomy of marine species
Explore the taxonomy of the sea vertebrates including the cetaceans like the whales or the dolphins, the sea birds, the fish, the sharks and the sea turtles !
The order Acanthuriformes consists of tropical marine fish known for their vibrant colors and diverse shapes, including surgeonfish, angelfish and butterflyfish, commonly found in coral reefs. These species are distinguished by unique features such as sharp spines on their tails or angular body shapes, playing a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of reefs.
The Acanthuridae family includes tropical marine fish known as surgeonfish and unicornfish, commonly found in coral reefs. These fish are characterized by their laterally compressed bodies and the presence of one or more sharp spines near the base of their tails, which they use for both defense and territorial assertion.

Black-spot surgeonfishAcanthurus bariene

Blue tang surgeonfishAcanthurus coeruleus

Bluetail unicornfishNaso caeruleacauda

DoctorfishAcanthurus chirurgus

Humpback unicornfishNaso brachycentron

Indian sailfin surgeonfishZebrasoma desjardinii

Japanese surgeonfishAcanthurus japonicus

Kole tangCtenochaetus strigosus

Mimic surgeonfishAcanthurus pyroferus

Ocean tangAcanthurus bahianus

Orangeband surgeonfishAcanthurus olivaceus

Orangespine unicornfishNaso lituratus

Palelipped surgeonfishAcanthurus leucocheilus

Paletail unicornfishNaso brevirostris

Palette surgeonfishParacanthurus hepatus

Powder blue tangAcanthurus leucosternon
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