A marine tropical fish species belonging to the surgeonfish family, characterized by distinctive surgical-like spines near its tail base.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coral reefs and rocky coastal areas of the Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Florida and the Caribbean to Brazil, typically at depths of 1-30 meters.
Ecological Role
Critical herbivorous marine species that controls algal growth on coral reefs, contributing to ecosystem balance and reef health.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, scale-covered body with protective mucus layer
LIMBS WINGSCrescent-shaped caudal fin with sharp, retractable lateral spines used for defense
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes, terminal mouth with small, sharp teeth adapted for scraping algae
BODY STRUCTUREElongated, laterally compressed body, approximately 35-40 cm in total length, with dark gray to black coloration
