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 surgeonfish
(Acanthurus bariene)
(Acanthurus bariene)

Blue tang surgeonfish
(Acanthurus coeruleus)
(Acanthurus coeruleus)

Bluetail unicornfish
(Naso caeruleacauda)
(Naso caeruleacauda)

Doctorfish
(Acanthurus chirurgus)
(Acanthurus chirurgus)

Humpback unicornfish
(Naso brachycentron)
(Naso brachycentron)

Indian sailfin surgeonfish
(Zebrasoma desjardinii)
(Zebrasoma desjardinii)

Japanese surgeonfish
(Acanthurus japonicus)
(Acanthurus japonicus)

Kole tang
(Ctenochaetus strigosus)
(Ctenochaetus strigosus)

Mimic surgeonfish
(Acanthurus pyroferus)
(Acanthurus pyroferus)

Ocean tang
(Acanthurus bahianus)
(Acanthurus bahianus)

Orangeband surgeonfish
(Acanthurus olivaceus)
(Acanthurus olivaceus)

Orangespine unicornfish
(Naso lituratus)
(Naso lituratus)

Palelipped surgeonfish
(Acanthurus leucocheilus)
(Acanthurus leucocheilus)

Paletail unicornfish
(Naso brevirostris)
(Naso brevirostris)

Palette surgeonfish
(Paracanthurus hepatus)
(Paracanthurus hepatus)

Powder blue tang
(Acanthurus leucosternon)
(Acanthurus leucosternon)
Our latestUpdates

Wednesday, February 18th 2026
The Atlantic tarpon
The Atlantic tarpon is a large coastal fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 330 pounds, with a silvery body covered in large, reflective scales. Known as the Silver King, it is famous for its spectacular leaps and fierce fight when hooked by sport fishermen.

Friday, January 30th 2026
The dugong
Discover the dugong, a gentle “sea cow” of tropical waters. Learn about its habitat, diet, reproduction, morphology, and the threats facing this unique marine mammal.

Friday, January 23rd 2026
Dolphins: ocean's smartest creatures
Discover dolphins, the ocean's geniuses: explore their intelligence, social behavior, sophisticated communication, species diversity and vital role in marine ecosystems.
Photo of the Day

Requin tapis barbu
(Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)
(Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)
