The Blackear Surgeonfish, Black Surgeonfish, Golden Rim Surgeonfish, Gold-rim Tang, Gray Surgeonfish, Velvet Surgeonfish, White-cheeked Surgeonfish, Whiteface Surgeonfish, Whitetail Surgeonfish, Yellowrimmed Surgeonfish, Yellow Spotted Surgeonfish, scientifically known as Acanthurus nigricans, is a captivating marine fish that graces the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. Its distinctive coloration and fascinating behavior have earned it a variety of common names, reflecting the nuances of its appearance.
Description and Characteristics
The Acanthurus nigricans is a medium-sized fish, reaching a maximum size of 36.0 cm. Its body is typically a dark gray to bluish-black hue, often adorned with faint yellow or white spots. The most notable characteristic is the bright yellow rim that encircles its dorsal and anal fins, a feature that gives rise to some of its common names, such as the Golden Rim Surgeonfish and Yellowrimmed Surgeonfish. The fish also possesses a distinctive scalpel-like spine located on either side of its tail, a signature feature of the surgeonfish family.
Habitat and Occurrence
This species is found in shallow tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Acanthurus nigricans typically inhabits coral reefs and rocky shores, often seen in depths between 0.0 and 67.0 meters. It is a common resident of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, the western Pacific Ocean, and the Red Sea, frequently found in the Indo-Pacific marine zones.
Taxonomy
The Acanthurus nigricans belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. This classification places it among the bony fishes, specifically within the order of surgeonfishes and their relatives. The family Acanthuridae encompasses a diverse group of marine fishes known for their scalpel-like spines, which they use for defense.
Feeding
Acanthurus nigricans is an herbivorous fish, primarily feeding on algae that grows on coral reefs and rocky shores. Its diet is diverse, incorporating algae, brine shrimps, flakes, frozen food (large sorts), krill, and mysis. This broad feeding spectrum allows Acanthurus nigricans to thrive in a variety of environments, contributing to the balance of the coral reef ecosystem.
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