The Chocolate Surgeonfish, Mimic Surgeonfish, Orange-gilled Surgeonfish, Pacific Mimic Surgeon, Yellowspot Surgeon, scientifically known as Acanthurus pyroferus, is a captivating species of marine fish recognized for its striking coloration and unique characteristics.
Description & Characteristics
The Acanthurus pyroferus boasts a distinctive appearance, reaching a maximum size of 29.0 cm. Its body is characterized by a chocolate brown base color, often with hints of purple or black, interspersed with bright yellow spots. These yellow spots are particularly prominent on the head and dorsal fin, giving rise to its common names. Its most defining feature is the bright orange gill cover, which contrasts vividly against its brown body. This distinctive feature, along with its overall appearance, contributes to its mimicry abilities.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Acanthurus pyroferus exhibits a preference for the neritic zone, specifically the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. These zones span from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge, approximately 200 meters in depth. This preference for these marine environments underscores its adaptability and its ability to thrive in a variety of depths and conditions.
Taxonomy
The species Acanthurus pyroferus is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. This classification highlights its evolutionary lineage and its relationship to other closely related fish species, such as other surgeonfish.
Feeding
The Acanthurus pyroferus is an herbivore, primarily feeding on algae. It is known to graze on various types of algae, including filamentous algae and benthic algae, contributing to the maintenance of healthy coral reef ecosystems. However, it is also known to supplement its diet with brine shrimps, flakes, and frozen food, particularly larger varieties. This dietary flexibility allows it to thrive in various environments and adapt to changing food availability.
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