The Biafra Doctorfish (Prionurus biafraensis) is a species of surgeonfish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. This relatively small fish is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, known for its distinctive appearance and unique feeding habits.
Description & Characteristics
The Biafra Doctorfish is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 20.0 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed laterally, with a distinctive, deep blue color. Its most notable feature is the sharp, scalpel-like spine located on each side of its tail, similar to other surgeonfish species. This spine is a defensive mechanism, used to deter predators. The fish has a small, pointed snout and a relatively large, slightly protruding mouth. Its eyes are large and black, located high on its head. It possesses a single, dorsal fin that runs along its back and a small, rounded anal fin near its tail.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Biafra Doctorfish is typically found in shallow, reef-associated habitats, usually in areas with abundant algae growth. It is a prevalent presence in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in areas like the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This species is mainly associated with the Neritic zone, which is the shallow part of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Prionurus biafraensis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. The Teleostei is the largest order of bony fish, encompassing a vast diversity of species. The Order Acanthuriformes, commonly known as surgeonfish, comprises several families characterized by their scalpel-like spines. Within this order, the family Acanthuridae includes the surgeonfish, characterized by their laterally compressed bodies and sharp spines on the tail.
Feeding
The Biafra Doctorfish is a herbivore, primarily feeding on algae. Its diet consists of a variety of algae species, including Dandelion, Lettuce, and Nori-Algae. Their strong, sharp teeth are adapted for scraping algae off rocks and other surfaces. This feeding behavior plays an important role in maintaining the health of the coral reefs by controlling algae growth.
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